Catalan party leader calls for 'cross-party' government

The Catalunya en Comú-Podem party (CatECP), a left-wing coalition which aligns with neither the pro-independence nor the unionist forces, has called for a cross-party government made up of independent figures, should pro-independence parties fail to agree on a formula that will lead to an effective Catalan executive.

The party leader, Xavier Domènech, addressed Catalan MPs in parliament on Wednesday. The plenary session was called to pass a resolution to protect the political rights of pro-independence presidential candidates.

Junts per Catalunya, Esquerra Republicana and CUP held on to a narrow parliamentary majority in an election last December. Yet, Spanish courts have blocked all presidential candidates nominated by pro-independence parties, including the deposed president Carles Puigdemont.

The Catalan administration has been controlled by the Spanish government since a declaration of independence last October. In order to regain control of the government and put an end to Madrid's direct rule, Catalan parries need to appoint a new president.