In Catalonia, confidante of ex-separatist leader Carles Puigdemont has fallen in election as head of government. For quim Torra voted 66 deputies. The lawyer and journalist were thus missing two votes to become new regional president in first round. In a second round on Monday, Torra reaches simple majority of 135 deputies in regional parliament.
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It was already fifth attempt to elect a head of government. The appointment of four previous candidates failed because y eir stayed in foreign exile or were in prison. The Constitutional Court in Madrid had already decided in January that a candidate must be personally elected to parliament in Barcelona.
Puigdemont is also sought by Spanish authorities, among or things, for alleged breaches of public funds. He is waiting in Berlin for a decision of German judiciary wher he may be extradited to his home country. On Thursday, Carles Puigdemont had finally renounced his own candidacy.
The legitimate president remains Puigdemont
During presentation of his government programme, Torra made it clear that goal of Catalan regional government was to continue to be fork of Spain. “We will continue to work tirelessly to have a Catalan republic,” said 55-year-old. The separatists would remain loyal to Declaration of Independence of last October and establish an independent state in form of a republic. Torra affirmed that he would lead a transitional government in event of an election victory, but legitimate president was Puigdemont.
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However, should election on Monday remain unsuccessful and no government can be formed by 22 May, re must be elections in Catalonia. Since discontinuation of Puigdemonts as regional president a good six months ago, Catalonia no longer has a regular government.
