Spanish government blames pro-independence parties for ‘political paralysis’ in Catalonia

The Spanish government has accused pro-independence parties of causing "political paralysis in Catalonia" and blocking both the government and the parliament due to their internal rifts.   

“Pro-independence parties are going through a significant crisis, and they’re dragging all Catalans with them,” said Isabel Celaá, the spokesperson for the government of Spanish president Pedro Sánchez.

Celaá’s press conference came a day after a major brawl between Junts per Catalunya (JxCat) and Esquerra (ERC) caused the suspension of an ongoing parliament session and even risked the stability of their executive. The two ruling parties in Catalonia were at odds over how to implement Spanish courts’ rulings ordering the suspension of former president Carles Puigdemont and other MPs, who are currently prosecuted for organizing a referendum on independence one year ago.

Catalan president Quim Torra and vice president Pere Aragonès, the two highest-ranking officials from both parties, met on Friday to address the government crisis and assured that they had reached an agreement. Yet, it is still unclear whether pro-independence MPs will be able to continue voting in parliament or not—and if they do, what will the consequences be for contravening orders from the Supreme Court.

The Spanish government warned pro-independence parties that should they make decisions in parliament that contravene the Spanish Constitution, the executive will act accordingly.