Puigdemont rejects 'president's pension'

The Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont, exiled in Brussels after being deposed by the Spanish government, has rejected the pension which he would have the right to claim as a former president, at least under Spanish law. The Spanish Finance ministry had asked him whether he would take advantage of this privilege, acceptance of which would have been an admission that Puigdemont had accepted having been ousted. Instead, he announced that he has not asked for this compensation. He does, however, acknowledge having an office, which Catalan former presidents can also claim.  

“The [Spanish] state continues to be a machine for humiliating Catalan institutions and citizens,” Puigdemont said on Twitter in reaction to the request by the Spanish cabinet. “Montoro should spend his time getting back the money that was forgiven to the bailed-out banks,” he added, referring to the Spanish Finance ministry. Montoro responded to Puigdemont's refusal by saying that “it makes no sense”. Indeed, the ministry said that what the Catalan leader needs to give up is “his position, which is harming Catalans and Spaniards”.