As it happened | Protests in Catalonia against Spanish Cabinet meeting
Pro-independence groups blocked major roads and demonstrators took to the streets in opposition to the presence of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his ministers
[Scroll down to read this morning’s live blog]
The central government’s Cabinet meeting was held today in Barcelona, amid protests throughout Catalonia at what pro-independence supporters called “a provocation” by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Despite efforts of demonstrators to cut off roads and freeways, the meeting went ahead as planned, and afterwards government ministers announced a number of symbolic measures for the region, such as renaming Barcelona airport Josep Tarradellas, in honor of a former premier who was exiled to France during the Franco era.
Thousands of police officers were on the streets this morning to deal with the protests called by groups such as the so-called Committee for the Defense of the Republic (CDR). There were a number of incidents during the morning, prompting police to charge against demonstrators, and make at least 11 arrests.
The protests come a day after Sánchez and Catalan premier Quim Torra agreed to work on “effective dialogue” at a private meeting in Barcelona. In a joint press release, the leaders said they were committed to finding a “political proposal that is widely supported by the Catalan people.” They agreed that there was a “conflict about the future of Catalonia” and while they accepted there are “notable differences on its origin, character and path to resolution,” promised to move forward through dialogue.
That concludes our live blog of today's Cabinet meeting in Barcelona and protests in Catalonia. Thanks for reading
Central government spokesperson, Isabel Celaá, discusses Article 155, which was used by the Popular Party government last year to suspend Catalonia's regional powers in the wake of the unilateral declaration of independence: “Mr Rivera [the leader of the Ciudadanos party] constantly invokes Article 155 as if it were the only article of the Constitution. That article does not provide any political response to Catalonia. What Rivera is doing is defending the recentralization of Spain, and this government is not in favor of that.
There are now just three freeways affected by the protests: the AP-7 in L'Ampolla, where work is taking place to repair damage caused by the blockades by the so-called CDR group; on the N-340 in the same area; and the N-II in San Julià de Ramis, toward Girona
A total of 10 people have been arrested during today's incidents in Catalonia in protest at the Cabinet meeting in Barcelona. Seven in Drassanes, one in vía Laietana (Barcelona), and two in L'Ampoya, according to the regional government.
Meritxell Batet, Minister of Territorial Policy in the Socialist Party government: “I think it is a positive thing that the Cabinet meeting can be held in any area in spain. We celebrate the fact that we can hold a Cabinet meeting in Barcelona, which is also my city. That is compatible with the demonstrations and the freedom of expression of citizens. What we are calling for is for these to be peaceful and to respect the rights of the rest of the citizens.”
Central government spokesperson, Isabel Celaá turns to the meeting on Thursday between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and hardline pro-independence regional premier Quim Torra: “We view yesterday’s meeting as very positive. The government has always sought spaces for dialogue. We believe there is no other option. [...] Dialogue within the Constitution is going to lead us to address the Catalonia conflict.
Central government spokesperson, Isabel Celaá has announced that seven scientists who were punished by the Franco dictatorship will have their honors posthumously reinstated.
Central government spokesperson, Isabel Celaá: “The Cabinet has approved a name change for Barcelona airport, which will be called Josep Tarradellas.”
Josep Tarradellas was a Catalan politician who was exiled under Franco, and was regional premier while in France.
More information about him here: http://cort.as/-DFdQ
After today's Cabinet meeting in Barcelona, the central government spokesperson, Isabel Celaá, announces: "The Cabinet has approved €112.77m for the improvement of the freeways in Catalonia."
A protestor is detained by the Mossos in Barcelona today.
Photo: Gianluca Battista
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has left Llotja de Mar, the venue of the Cabinet meeting, according to police sources consulted by EL PAÍS journalist Rebecca Carranco.
EL PAÍS journalist Marta Rodríguez reports that around 1,000 people have gathered in front of the central government's subdelegation in Girona. Many of the protesters who were blocking the AP-7 freeway have joined the protest.
Isabel Celaá, spokesperson of the Spanish government: “We are working democratically for the people. We want to contain the political crisis in Catalonia.”
Pablo Casado, leader of the conservative Popular Party (PP), criticizes PM Sánchez's meeting with Catalan premier Quim Torra: “Yesterday negotiations began to break up national sovereignty.”
Casado argues “what is most presing is to apply Article 155 of the Constitution and call immediate general elections,” in reference to the emergency measure that would suspend the region's autonomous power.
Tu suscripción se está usando en otro dispositivo
¿Quieres añadir otro usuario a tu suscripción?
Si continúas leyendo en este dispositivo, no se podrá leer en el otro.
FlechaTu suscripción se está usando en otro dispositivo y solo puedes acceder a EL PAÍS desde un dispositivo a la vez.
Si quieres compartir tu cuenta, cambia tu suscripción a la modalidad Premium, así podrás añadir otro usuario. Cada uno accederá con su propia cuenta de email, lo que os permitirá personalizar vuestra experiencia en EL PAÍS.
¿Tienes una suscripción de empresa? Accede aquí para contratar más cuentas.
En el caso de no saber quién está usando tu cuenta, te recomendamos cambiar tu contraseña aquí.
Si decides continuar compartiendo tu cuenta, este mensaje se mostrará en tu dispositivo y en el de la otra persona que está usando tu cuenta de forma indefinida, afectando a tu experiencia de lectura. Puedes consultar aquí los términos y condiciones de la suscripción digital.
