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Spanish Supreme Court declares that Spanish must also be a school language of instruction

December 22, 2010 10:01 PM | CNA / Maria José Fidalgo / Gaspar Pericay Coll

Spain’s Highest Court sentences on a case about 3 parents who wanted their children to be taught in Spanish at Catalan public schools. The decision breaks the principle of using Catalan as the language of instruction in Catalan schools. This model has been in place for the last 30 years and guarantees knowledge of both the Catalan and Spanish languages by all pupils, as exam records have been proving. Now, Spain’s Supreme Court is interpreting the Spanish Constitutional Court’s sentence from last June, which stated that Catalan was a teaching language but that Spanish should also be. The fear in Catalonia is that the country will split into 2 separated language communities and social groups will not understand Catalan.

First high-speed train from Catalonia to Paris arrives 15 minutes late

December 20, 2010 10:35 PM | CNA / Jordi Font

The delay was attributed to heavy snow in the North of France. It was the first train that a high-speed train crossed the Pyrenees in direction to Paris. The high-speed train route from Barcelona to Paris is expected to be fully completed by 2020. This first train linked the Catalan city of Figueres with Paris, while some passengers came from Barcelona to Figueres in a regular train.

Mas promises a “business friendly” Government, “open to dialog, transparent and with cohesion”

December 20, 2010 09:53 PM | CNA / Gaspar Pericay Coll

Mas affirmed the beginning of a “national transition” towards the right of Catalans to decide on their own future. A new economic agreement with Spain is a priority in this direction. In addition, the new Catalan President will implement an economic reactivation plan, agreed together with the Parliament and the social agents. The new government will also have 2 expert advisory councils on Economics and Health, organised free of cost by professional associations. Mas also promised that, once the budget improves after the crisis, social policies will represent 55% of the public expenditure.

Former Spanish Primer Minister Felipe González to join Gas Natural Fenosa’s board

December 17, 2010 10:08 PM | CNA / Josep Molina

González will contribute to consolidating Gas Natural Fenosa’s international presence, mainly in South America. With this move, the Catalan energy company will gain a figure of international prestige with a large list of contacts. González was Prime Minister of Spain from 1982 to 1996. He leads the Expert Group on the future of Europe and his name was shortlisted to become the first President of the EU.