Merkel says it is necessary to “respect EU treaties” regarding Catalonia’s independence process

Madrid (CNA).- The German Chancellor Angela Merkel has emphasised the necessity to "respect" EU treaties that "guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each state”. At a German-Spanish bilateral summit involving Merkel and the Prime Minister of Spain, Mariano Rajoy, held on Monday and Tuesday, when the issue of Catalan independence arose, Merkel assured that her position on the process of sovereignty in Catalonia is "very similar" to that of Rajoy. At a joint press conference she stated that "it is very important that international law is respected. Here there is no difference". For his part, Rajoy guaranteed that whilst he is Prime Minister, there will be "no split" between Catalonia and Spain.

On the last day of the bilateral summit the Spanish Prime Minister finally received public support from the German Chancellor. Merkel took two questions from the Spanish press on the issue and admitted that during the meeting both she and Rajoy spoke "of current politics, as do prime ministers and presidents of governments, and in this context about the situation in Spain" and about "what is happening" in Catalonia.

"We hold a very similar position. There are the treaties of the EU which everybody must respect, that guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each state", said Merkel, adding that in her opinion "it is very important that national and international law be respected", a point on which "there is no difference" between the approaches of the Spanish and German governments.

Later, the Chancellor was asked about the instability that could occur in Spain if Catalan nationalist parties win a majority in the upcoming Catalan elections, scheduled for the 27^th September. She was also asked about the two-party politics that has traditionally defined Spanish government and the appearance of new political groups, such as the Spanish alternative left party, Podemos. At this point she assured those present that she had no intention of entering "into election campaigns" and stated that she was fully confident that the policy of "success" that Rajoy has implemented in recent years "will continue in the future".

She also wished Rajoy "every success" in the upcoming Spanish elections, adding that she thought that "Spain is recovering and that this is something many people will bear in mind during the elections".

Speaking about the Spanish elections, Rajoy said that he was “encouraged” and he thought the PP “will win the elections” even though it has had to make "tough" policies. He also warned that a change in government would be very negative for Spain’s recovery.