Carles Puigdemont responds to criticism and defends his candidacy
The Junts candidate for 12-M, Carles Puigdemont, has responded to the criticism he has received after announcing his candidacy for the presidency of the Generalitat. Puigdemont has recalled cases in which candidates from parties that came second in previous elections achieved the investiture. In a publication on social networks, Puigdemont mentioned the case of Artur Mas in 2006, who won the elections but did not govern, as well as the example of Jaume Collboni in the Barcelona City Council. He also made reference to Pedro Sánchez, who lost the general elections of 23-J and continues to govern as a minority.
Defense of the right to form a Government
Puigdemont has defended his right to try to form a government if he believes he can gather parliamentary support that will allow him to do so. He has denounced that questioning the legitimacy of the same thing being done in Catalonia is incoherent, and has stated that disqualifying it from the outset is a mistake, especially on the part of those who have benefited from similar situations.
Candidacy announcement and political strategy
Carles Puigdemont announced from Argelers his intention to present a candidacy for the presidency of the Generalitat in the investiture debate. He claimed to have more options than the winner of the elections, Salvador Illa, and assured that he was in a position to form a Government of solely Catalan obedience. He explained that they will ask the Parliament to reveal the support of each candidate to make decisions, and confirmed contacts with ERC for a possible coalition agreement.
Political reactions
PSC response
The PSC closed the door to facilitating Puigdemont’s investiture, stating that the independence movement does not have a legitimate majority to claim the Government. The spokesperson for the socialists in Catalonia, Núria Parlon, pointed out that they will speak with all the progressive forces except with those who have hate speech, and stressed that Salvador Illa should lead the new Government.
CKD reaction
ERC, affected by the loss of 13 seats in the elections, has initiated contacts with Junts for a possible coalition agreement. The formula devised by Puigdemont contemplates a coalition Government with ERC, also adding the seats of the CUP to get closer to the necessary absolute majority.
