Target for Independence, Catalan President Under Pressure

Catalan President Carles Puigdemont is facing increased pressure to give up the secession plans from Spain.

He is preparing to deliver a key speech in front of the regional Parliament and is thought to unilaterally proclaim independence after the controversial 1 October referendum. France and Germany have both expressed support for united Spain.

But even the mayor of Barcelona himself urged Puigdemont not to declare secession and also urged Mariano Rahoi not to think about direct control from Madrid.

“I urge you both not to make decisions that might blow up the chance of a space for dialogue and mediation. This is the bravest action they can take now”, said Ada Colau, mayor of Barcelona.

Opposition Socialist Party leader in Spain Pedro Sanchez was in Barcelona, where he told reporters he would support the Spanish government's intervention in the face of any attempts to destroy social harmony if independence is unilaterally proclaimed.

Official Madrid threatens at this point to suspend the autonomy of the north-East region. Economic pressure is also increasing on the Catalan leader as large companies continue to withdraw their offices from the region. The infrastructure firm “Abertis”, the real estate group “Imobiliaal Colonial” and the phone operator “celnex” all announced that they intend to move to Madrid.