Sacked Catalan leader says he accepts snap election

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Sacked Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has said he is not seeking asylum in Belgium and that charges brought against Catalan leaders are "groundless".

He will return to Catalonia when given "guarantees" by the Spanish government.

Puigdemont made the remarks at a press conference on Tuesday in Brussels. He landed in Monday while Spanish newspapers speculated that he is in Belgium to apply for political asylum.

On Monday, Spain's Attorney-General Jose Manuel Maza called for charges of rebellion as well as sedition and misuse of public funds to be brought against Puigdemont.

Sacked Catalan government officials (L-R) Meritxell Serret, Joaquim Forn, Clara Ponsati, Carles Puigdemont, and Meritxell Borras attend a news conference at the Press Club Brussels Europe in Brussels, Belgium, October 31, 2017. /Reuters Photo

However, Puigdemont emphasized he came to Belgium because it is the capital of Europe. "I came to act in freedom and safety," he added.

Asked by reporters on Tuesday how long he would stay, Puigdemont responded: "As long as we consider it [necessary]. The situation is developing every day. We have better guarantees for our rights here and we can meet our obligations."

Part of the Catalan government will stay in Catalonia to carry on with political activities, said Puigdemont, adding that he will not escape from justice and will accept the "democratic challenge" of the elections on December 21.

Demonstrators wave banners and flags as sacked Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont leaves a news conference at the Press Club Brussels Europe in Brussels, Belgium, October 31, 2017. /Reuters Photo

"I want a clear commitment from the state. Will the state respect the results that could give separatist forces a majority?" Puigdemont asked reporters.

The former Catalan leader also said his region's independence drive should "slow down" to avoid unrest as Madrid imposes direct rule on Catalonia, a move opposed by many.

"We can't build a republic for all on violence," he said, adding that if that meant "slowing down the development of the republic, then we must consider that a reasonable price to pay".

Spain's Constitutional Court on Tuesday blocked the unilateral declaration of independence made by the regional parliament on Friday, a move that gained no traction and led to its dismissal less than an hour after it was made.

Sacked Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont is seen, during a news conference, on a TV screen at a bar in Barcelona, Spain, October 31, 2017. /Reuters Photo‍

The Supreme Court also said in its statement it had summoned Catalonia's former parliamentary speaker to appear for questioning this week to face charges over the region's independence bid.

Carme Forcadell and her parliamentary deputies have been summoned to appear in court on November 2 and 3.

"I ask the Catalan people to prepare for a long road. Democracy will be the foundation of our victory," Puigdemont said.

The Spanish government has said Puigdemont was welcome to take his chances and stand in the December 21 election, called by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy as a way to resolve the stand-off.

European nations including the UK, Germany and France have backed Rajoy and rejected an independent Catalan state, although some have called for dialogue between the opposing sides.

Spain's cabinet will hold a special meeting at 17:00 GMT, the government said on Tuesday without giving any further details.

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Source(s): AFP ,Reuters