Catalan leader rules out independence during mandate

In an interview with a Spanish newspaper in April 2016, Catalonia's leader Carles Puigdemont stated his cabinet would not 'jump into the void' and declare independence from Spain during his time in office.

In an apparent U-turn, Mr Puigdemont vowed to respect the law and to 'stick to dialogue' while seeking independence from Madrid in the future. However, he still called for financial autonomy, saying the region's economy was 'viable and dynamic'.

After Mr Puigdemont took office in January 2016, he considered the current parliamentary setup would not allow for a breakaway, but still aimed to declare independence within 18 months.

• Primary Source

Expansión, 04.04.16: Puigdemont: 'Queremos un Gobierno que dialogue y negocie, lo que no ha hecho el actual' [In Spanish] http://www.expansion.com/catalunya/2016/04/04/570210cb46163f63458b4640.html

The Local.es, 04.04.16: Catalan leader rules out independence during mandate http://www.thelocal.es/20160404/catalan-leader-rules-out-independence-during-mandate

ESO: Background information: Pro-independence forces reach an agreement and Artur Mas won’t be president http://www.europeansources.info/record/pro-independence-forces-reach-an-agreement-and-artur-mas-wont-be-president/

Catalan News Agency, 06.04.16: CUP urge Puigdemont 'to make a clear step towards the rupture' before January http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/cup-urge-puigdemont-to-make-a-clear-step-towards-the-rupture-before-january

Catalan News Agency, 07.04.16: Parliament reaffirms the pro-independence proposal approved on the 9-N http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/parliament-reaffirms-the-pro-independence-proposal-approved-on-the-9-n

Catalan News Agency, 01.04.16: Spain’s lack of response to Catalonia’s push for independence concerns the international community http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/spain-s-lack-of-response-to-catalonia-s-push-for-independence-concerns-the-international-community

EurActiv, 03.05.16: Catalonia leader plans ‘charm offensive’ after Brexit referendum http://www.euractiv.com/section/elections/news/catalonia-leader-plans-charm-offensive-after-brexit-referendum/

Politico, 09.05.16: Catalan exit plan http://www.politico.eu/article/the-catalan-exit-plan-carles-puigdemont-generalitat-independence/

Catalan News Agency, 13.05.16: Puigdemont explains Catalonia’s roadmap towards independence to the international audience at Chatham House http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/puigdemont-explains-catalonia-s-roadmap-towards-independence-to-the-international-audience-at-chatham-house

Catalan News Agency, 11.05.16: First draft of Catalan Constitution presented to Parliament’s President http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/first-draft-of-catalan-constitution-presented-to-parliament-s-president

Catalan News Agency, 12.05.16: Puigdemont: “Catalonia would like to follow Scotland’s path, but in Spain there is no one willing to negotiate” http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/puigdemont-catalonia-would-like-to-follow-scotland-s-path-but-in-spain-there-is-no-one-willing-to-negotiate

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