Only dialogue can offer a solution to the Catalan question

Spanish Prime Minister Rajoy is obstinately rejecting the outstretched hand of Catalonia for dialogue. He is threatening to end the autonomy of the region if it is not made clear quickly “whether Catalan independence has been declared or not” as he puts it. MEP Mark Demesmaeker is calling for international mediation: “While the entire world implores the two parties to come to the table, the Spanish Government opts for threats rather than dialogue. Europe must not accept this repressive attitude.”

Catalan President Puigdemont had explicitly invited Spain earlier this week to sit down at the table together with Catalonia. However, the political machinations of the government in Madrid are threatening to sour the atmosphere further. “It is high time for Europe to remind the Spanish Government of its responsibilities,” says Mark Demesmaeker. “The rejection of dialogue is diametrically opposed to everything Europe is supposed to stand for.”

The N-VA considers the threat of rescinding Catalan autonomy to be pure provocation. There is only one solution to this political conflict: dialogue. “Since Spain continues to refuse this, an international conciliator will have to bring the parties involved around the table,” Mark Demesmaeker concludes.