End of direct rule in Catalonia 'in Torra’s hands', says Spanish government

The lifting of direct rule in Catalonia and the restoration of self-government depends on Catalan president, Quim Torra. At least that is how the Spanish government described the situation on Thursday morning, with president Mariano Rajoy insisting that the lifting of direct rule “is in Torra’s hands” and Rajoy executive’s representative in Catalonia, Enric Millo, claiming that Torra “knows” a return to self-rule “depends on him and no one else.”

Talking on Spanish radio, Rajoy admitted that the Senate deal to impose direct rule foresaw its end once a Catalan government had been formed, but he insisted that “it has to be a normal government,” or one that does not include “people in prison and fugitives from justice.” Rajoy blamed the pro-independence parties for the delay in restoring self-rule, as “they could have had a government in January, but have wasted time, and put forward unsuitable candidates.” 

For his part, Millo said that as soon as Torra nominates an “effective” government “that can fully exercise its functions” then direct rule will be lifted. Interviewed on Catalan radio, the delegate to Catalonia went on to say that it would be “irresponsible” for the Spanish government to approve a Catalan executive containing ministers unable to carry out their duties, in reference to the jailed and exiled officials.

The stalemate over appointing a government in Catalonia five months since the election revolves around Torra nominating Jordi Turull and Josep Rull to his cabinet, while both men are in preventive prison awaiting trial over their involvement in last year’s push for independence. Torra also nominated Lluis Puig and Toni Comín to the new government, even though both men are seeking refuge from the Spanish judiciary in Brussels.

Committee report due on Thursday

Torra’s response to Spain’s blocking of his proposed cabinet was to seek legal advice, with the president on Wednesday commissioning a report from Catalonia’s Legal Assessment Committee, a consultative body that advises the Catalan government. Future Catalan vice president and treasury minister, Pere Aragonès, said on Thursday that the committee’s report was expected later in the day. According to Aragonés, the report will “shed more light on the next steps to take,” and he reminded Madrid of its “duty” to publish the nominated Catalan executive in the official government gazette.