Torra is the ‘Le Pen’ of Spanish politics, says Socialist leader

Catalan president Quim Torra is “the Le Pen of Spanish politics,” according to Socialist party leader, Pedro Sánchez. In a press conference on Friday, the head of Spain’s PSOE party launched an attack on the new Catalan leader, comparing him with the head of France’s far-right National Front party, Marine Le Pen. Sánchez said that Spain has not seen the rise in “racism and xenophobia due to the crisis, which has happened in other European countries,” that is until “Torra’s arrival.”

For Sánchez, Torra’s appointment at the head of a pro-independence Catalan government is “the same thing that is happening in Europe, with the rise of populist and reactionary movements.” The PSOE leader had a message for the Catalans, assuring them that the Socialists “will defend their rights and freedoms. And guarantee them should they ever be questioned by a president who represents the opposite of constitutional and European values.”

Sánchez was also critical of Torra’s decision to leave out any mention of the Spanish Constitution or monarchy in the oath of office he took this week. “Loyalty to the Constitution must also be seen in taking possession of any post at the head of a state institution. There are people who take advantage of their position to show their lack of loyalty to the Constitution and the institutions,” he said, arguing that oath-taking ceremonies should be regulated, “especially after what we have seen with Torra.”