President Torra calls Spain’s efforts in fighting coronavirus ‘insufficient’

Catalan president Quim Torra has called for a complete self-isolation of the population, wants improved economic measures and benefits for people during the coronavirus crisis, and dubbed Spain’s efforts at fighting the pandemic “insufficient.”

Torra spoke to the public following his meeting with Pedro Sánchez and other presidents of the various territories of Spain, held via video-link. 

The Catalan chief called for everyone to stay at home and leave the house only when absolutely necessary, such as buying food and healthcare products.

He also said that only those working in essential services should go to work, somewhat going against what Pedro Sánchez called for in the state of alarm decree, as the Spanish president permitted leaving the house to work, without specifying which kind of work. 

Catalonia’s president also underlined that he wants to see a complete lockdown of Catalonia and the rest of Spain, including closing ports and airports, in order to “guarantee public health.”

Later in the evening, Torra rejected to take part in a joint statement by Spanish regional presidents, in which they pledged to act as a "unit of action" against the coronavirus.

Spain's defense minister, Margarita Robles, criticized the Catalan president for not taking part the joint statement in a press conference given alongside other Spanish ministers on Sunday night.

"This is not a political topic and these stances must be set aside," she said. "I can't conceive that Mr. Torra doesn't find the health of Catalans important."