Conquest of America was 'humanity's most important event', says PP leader

The president of the People's Party (PP), Pablo Casado, said on Sunday that the conquest of America by Spain was "humanity's most important event."

In a political conference, Casado said that the importance of the conquest of America could only be compared to "the Romanization" during the Ancient Times. "No nation has done so much for humanity," said Casado about Spain. "What other country can say that a new world was discovered by them?" he added.

The leader of the People's Party in Spain also said that if he manages to reach power, he will impose direct rule in Catalonia again. Casado wants to control from Madrid Catalan schools, police, the public media and the prisons system. In fact, he accused the Catalan government of offering "privileges" to the leaders imprisoned for their role during the referendum.

Casado accused the Catalan executive of giving the politicians special treatment: "This only happens in narco-states or dictatorships," he said.

The PP leader went on to say that in Catalonia "one cannot walk freely without being insulted or assaulted" for speaking Spanish. His comments caused outrage in social media and politicians such as the mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, accused him of being a "liar" and wanting to create "conflict". "You're a danger for coexistence and security," she said.