Pro-independence parties hesitant whether to take part in December 21 election

How will pro-independence parties react to Mariano Rajoy’s convening of snap elections on December 21? This was one of the most heard questions by commentators in the Catalan media on Monday morning. While it is also uncertain how officials will face the measures against Catalan self-rule, the snap regional elections imposed by Madrid after seizing control of the country clash with last Friday's Declaration of Independence.

“They are elections called by Rajoy, who for us has no legitimacy to call elections,” ruling pro-independence coalition Junts pel Sí MP Roger Torrent said. “The person who has the authority to call elections is the Catalan president, and if this scenario takes place, the parties will have to discuss the best way to react,” he added. Like the Catalan vice president, Oriol Junqueras, urged on Sunday in an article, Torrent asked the parties “in favor of the Republic” to coordinate and seek a common strategy.