Canal 24 Horas

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Prime Minister delivers a speech amidst ongoing Catalan crisis​

Earlier today, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivered a televised address condemning the armed separatist uprising in Catalonia. Speaking from the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, the prime minister outlined a series of immediate countermeasures, including the deployment of national security forces, suspension of funding to collaborating municipalities, and legal prosecution of those involved in the rebellion.

“Compatriotas,​

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Today I speak to you not just as Prime Minister of Spain, but as a citizen, a father, and a defender of the rule of law. What we are witnessing in Catalonia is not a protest. It is not a referendum. It is not a civil disagreement.​

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It is a military-backed insurrection orchestrated by a group that calls itself the Free Catalan Assembly and led by former officer Júlia Riera who is a person who has chosen to place herself above the Constitution, above democratic institutions, and above the will of the Spanish people.​

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Let us make no mistake, this is not about Catalonia’s identity. It is about power seized by force. And it will not stand. Spain is a democracy and no democracy can allow armed groups to dictate national borders, intimidate institutions, and coerce public servants at the barrel of a gun. I acknowledge that Commander Riera speaks with conviction. That she speaks to wounds that are real. But conviction alone does not grant legitimacy.​

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It is not courage to silence elected officials. It is not justice to dismantle democratic institutions. And it is not liberation to threaten mayors, judges, or journalists who do not fall in line. She has chosen a path of defiance, not just against Madrid, but against the rule of law itself. And I say this calmly, but with resolve, Spain will not negotiate with those who attempt to split our nation by military means. Spain will not allow violence to replace votes and Spain will not yield to chaos disguised as change.​

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Effective immediately, the government has authorized the deployment of security forces to secure critical infrastructure in Catalonia and a full legal mandate will be drawn up by the Minister of Justice to prosecute all actors involved in the armed takeover of regional institutions.​

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Let me be clear, this is not an attack on Catalonia. This is a defense of all Spaniards, including the millions of Catalans who reject extremism and want their voices heard through peace and not pressure. To the People of Catalonia, I speak to you directly.​

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Your language, your culture, your pride, it is part of Spain’s soul. But no identity, no matter how deeply felt, can excuse the abandonment of law. I ask you not for silence, but for clarity. Do not let your future be written by those who would hijack your hopes for their own ambitions.​

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Return to the democratic path, raise your voices, but do it in the plazas, not behind barricades. In parliaments, not through proclamations made at gunpoint. Spain is a patient country. But it is also a strong one, we will not be provoked into overreach, but neither will we tolerate sedition dressed in poetry. The people may rise but it will not fly above the Constitution, this is our home and we will defend it, calmly, firmly, lawfully.​

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Viva la democracia. Viva la convivencia. Viva España."​

 

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Prime Minister announces the arrest of Commander Julia Riera​

In a significant development related to the ongoing investigations into the Catalan crisis, Commander Julia Riera was arrested on Friday by the National Intelligence Center. The arrest comes under Article 472 – Rebellion and also follows allegations of forming a separatist group whilst also unauthorized communication with foreign powers and potential breaches of national security protocols.

"I come before you tonight to confirm that earlier today, Júlia Riera who is the self-proclaimed leader of the so-called Free Catalan Assembly was taken into lawful custody by Spanish authorities. Let me be clear this action was not taken lightly. It follows months of coordinated efforts to de-escalate unrest through dialogue, lawful negotiation, and protection of constitutional order. Commander Riera was not detained for her beliefs, but for her role in organizing and promoting actions that directly threatened public safety, democratic institutions, and the unity of our nation.​

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Spain is a democracy. In democracies, political goals must be pursued through peaceful and legal means. What unfolded under Commander Riera’s leadership was not peaceful, it was a destabilizing and unlawful attempt to bypass the constitutional framework all of us, regardless of region, are bound by. To the people of Catalonia, I know many of you feel unheard. I recognize that this country must continue working toward a more inclusive national dialogue one that respects cultural identity and regional voice within the legal bounds of our democracy.​

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But let us also be clear-eyed: no cause, however passionate, can justify undermining the law, threatening national cohesion, or putting lives at risk. Commander Riera’s arrest is not an ending nor should it be cause for celebration. It is a turning point. I urge all citizens, Catalan and otherwise to reject extremism and recommit to a shared future built on dialogue, law, and mutual respect. Spain will remain vigilant in defending its democratic institutions and the rights of all its citizens. And I remain personally committed to finding a path forward that honors our unity without silencing diversity. Thank you. Good night, and may Spain remain strong and indivisible through democracy, always."​