Puigdemont and Otegi Unite in Independence Talks in Belgium
Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont meets with EH Bildu's Arnaldo Otegi to discuss political recognition for Catalonia and the Basque Country.
Carles Puigdemont, the former president of Catalonia, hosted a meeting on Tuesday with Arnaldo Otegi, the secretary general of the Basque nationalist party EH Bildu, in Waterloo, Belgium.
The two leaders emphasized their commitment to advocating for the political, cultural, and linguistic rights of the Catalan and Basque peoples.
This meeting comes ahead of an appearance by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the Congress, where he is expected to defend the government's position on European rearmament plans and the urgency of increased defense spending despite opposition from some coalition partners.
The context of the meeting is also significant, as discussions around the national budget for 2025 loom, with indications that the government may continue using the current extended budget due to a lack of support for new proposals.
The last encounter between Otegi and Puigdemont took place on November 7, 2018, when Otegi called for the establishment of a 'common front' for independence.
During the recent meeting in Belgium, the two leaders agreed to keep the dialogue open between Junts, Puigdemont's party, and EH Bildu to address challenges facing the Basque and Catalan regions.
The meeting formed part of Otegi’s diplomatic outreach following his re-election as secretary general of EH Bildu in February.
Accompanying Otegi was Gorka Elejaberrieta, the party's secretary of Political Relations.
The meeting was described as taking place in a 'cordial, constructive, and respectful atmosphere.' Participants shared insights on the current political landscape and discussed mutual challenges facing both regions within an increasingly volatile international context.
They also deliberated on the role of European institutions in light of the shifting geopolitical landscape and the strategic autonomy that the European Union must adopt.
The meeting attracted criticism from the Popular Party (PP), with spokespersons expressing outrage that it occurred without interpreters.
PP Secretary General Cuca Gamarra questioned the nature of discussions, while Miguel Tellado, another party spokesperson, condemned the gathering of individuals he described as a 'convicted terrorist and a fugitive from justice' discussing political strategies.
Carles Puigdemont has been residing in Belgium since 2018 to evade arrest related to his role in the Catalan independence movement.
Spanish Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena has indicated that Puigdemont cannot benefit from the recently enacted Amnesty Law due to charges of embezzlement, which are not eligible for amnesty.
Since the July 2023 elections, Junts' seven seats in Congress have been crucial for sustaining Sánchez's government, which relies on their support to pass legislation, reforms, and the national budget.
Puigdemont previously met with Andoni Ortuzar, president of the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), in September 2023, ahead of Sánchez's investiture when the outcome remained uncertain.
In a notable shift, Pedro Sánchez had campaigned in 2019 on the promise to bring Puigdemont back to Spain for legal accountability.
However, three months ago, he indicated a willingness to meet with Puigdemont, even outside Spain.
The two leaders emphasized their commitment to advocating for the political, cultural, and linguistic rights of the Catalan and Basque peoples.
This meeting comes ahead of an appearance by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the Congress, where he is expected to defend the government's position on European rearmament plans and the urgency of increased defense spending despite opposition from some coalition partners.
The context of the meeting is also significant, as discussions around the national budget for 2025 loom, with indications that the government may continue using the current extended budget due to a lack of support for new proposals.
The last encounter between Otegi and Puigdemont took place on November 7, 2018, when Otegi called for the establishment of a 'common front' for independence.
During the recent meeting in Belgium, the two leaders agreed to keep the dialogue open between Junts, Puigdemont's party, and EH Bildu to address challenges facing the Basque and Catalan regions.
The meeting formed part of Otegi’s diplomatic outreach following his re-election as secretary general of EH Bildu in February.
Accompanying Otegi was Gorka Elejaberrieta, the party's secretary of Political Relations.
The meeting was described as taking place in a 'cordial, constructive, and respectful atmosphere.' Participants shared insights on the current political landscape and discussed mutual challenges facing both regions within an increasingly volatile international context.
They also deliberated on the role of European institutions in light of the shifting geopolitical landscape and the strategic autonomy that the European Union must adopt.
The meeting attracted criticism from the Popular Party (PP), with spokespersons expressing outrage that it occurred without interpreters.
PP Secretary General Cuca Gamarra questioned the nature of discussions, while Miguel Tellado, another party spokesperson, condemned the gathering of individuals he described as a 'convicted terrorist and a fugitive from justice' discussing political strategies.
Carles Puigdemont has been residing in Belgium since 2018 to evade arrest related to his role in the Catalan independence movement.
Spanish Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena has indicated that Puigdemont cannot benefit from the recently enacted Amnesty Law due to charges of embezzlement, which are not eligible for amnesty.
Since the July 2023 elections, Junts' seven seats in Congress have been crucial for sustaining Sánchez's government, which relies on their support to pass legislation, reforms, and the national budget.
Puigdemont previously met with Andoni Ortuzar, president of the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), in September 2023, ahead of Sánchez's investiture when the outcome remained uncertain.
In a notable shift, Pedro Sánchez had campaigned in 2019 on the promise to bring Puigdemont back to Spain for legal accountability.
However, three months ago, he indicated a willingness to meet with Puigdemont, even outside Spain.
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