Puigdemont and Rajoy fail to strike accord

THE deadlock between Cataluña and the Spanish administration continued on Wednesday April 20, as president of the Generalitat of Catalunya, Carles Puigdemont, submitted an official written request to acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to open avenues of dialogue and negotiation for a ‘binding referendum’ in Cataluña.

The document refers to the vote that took place on September 27, 2015 that established a clear majority in the Catalan parliament in favour of ‘creation of a new state for Cataluña.’

Puigdemont also included a request to modify the finance model that he claims is ‘discriminatory’ in respect of Cataluña.

“The lack of funding for the Generalitat causes a shortfall in public services, and compromises the competitiveness of the economy,” he said.

Among 46 points in the letter, he also called for ‘respect’ for the Catalan educational model, development of a Catalan Council of Justice, and the return of €3.8 billion of investment which has not been received since 2011.

“He spoke about the consultation and I told him I was not in agreement,” said Rajoy after the meeting, during which he presented the Catalan leader with a copy of part two of the Cervantes novel ‘Don Quixote,’ during which the celebrated wanderer travels to Barcelona.

The two parties did agree that their deputies should meet to discuss financial issues.