Swiss ambassador to Spain considers Catalan independence "viable"

Barcelona (CNA).- The Swiss government representative in Spain Thomas Kolly assured that Catalonia's independence is "viable" if and when all the parties involved have political predisposition. He made this statement this Friday at a meeting with the Parliament's President, Carme Forcadell. Kolly highlighted the importance of "dialogue" between governments and admitted that the main worry of the Swiss government and that of the Swiss companies operating in Catalonia is the political uncertainty and called for keeping "the predictability and the judicial security".He insisted that Switzerland's position regarding Catalonia's push for independence and their political and administrative conflict with Spain's executive has always been "neutral".

The same answer given to Swiss MPs who asked for mediation

Kolly emphasised that the Federal Council won’t mediate between Catalonia and Spain unless all the parts explicitly request it. This was exactly the same answer given to the Swiss MPs from five different parties whom asked their executive in September what would be Switzerland’s role regarding Catalonia’s push for independence. “Considering Switzerland’s neutrality and democratic tradition would the Federal Council propose our country’s good manners to ensure mediation between Madrid and Barcelona?” Swiss MPs asked their Federal Council on the 22^nd of September. The representatives also lamented Spain’s position as it “seems to be doing the opposite of the international procedures expected from democratic countries”. The Swiss Federal Council stated that “Catalonia’s pro-independence aspirations affect Spain’s internal politics” and therefore “the possibility of a Swiss intervention isn’t planned”. In their letter of response to the Swiss MPs, they also highlighted the Federal Council's willingness "to discuss the Federal State’s structure, the financial policies or direct democracy with all those States that wish to do so".

Dialogue to solve tension between governments

"With a good will, there will be a good solution" stated Kolly, who explained to Forcadell that there are also territorial tensions in Switzerland, especially regarding the fiscal system, and that they are mainly solved "by dialogue" between the administrations. He called for dialogue to be the solution in Spain as well.

Kolly admitted that his visits to Catalonia have increased lately, due to Catalonia's push for independence and the situation of administrative conflict between Spain and Catalonia. Although he insisted on Switzerland "neutrality" he stated that he wants to listen to all the parties involved. In this sense, he has also met with many political party representatives and with the Spanish Government's Delegate in Catalonia, María de los Llanos de Luna.