The former president of the Generalitat argues that a unilateral action would require more parliamentary legitimacy and unity of action. He also acknowledges that he would act differently in 2017.
The unilateral path returns to the centre of the independence debate. According to estenerife.com, Carles Puigdemont believes that such an action would only gain more support when the movement reaches a sufficient critical mass and a common strategy, something that, in his view, does not exist today.
The leader of Junts clarifies that independence cannot renounce this tool, but insists that all peaceful and democratic avenues must be exhausted first. When discussing this, he says it will be necessary to demonstrate that every other path has truly been attempted.
Regarding his personal future, Puigdemont does not specify what role he will have. Among the options he mentions are returning to demonstrate at the Fossar de les Moreres, writing books, running for elections, or serving as mayor of Amer, a town in Girona. Regarding the latter, he claims he does not yet know what he will do.
Reflecting on October 10, 2017, when he suspended the declaration of independence in the Parlament, he admits that he would act differently today. According to his account, the dialogue he proposed then was based on a false premise: the supposed lack of negotiating willingness from the Spanish Government.
As for the Amnesty Law, he defends it as a triumph for the independence movement and asserts that its application goes all the way. For him, the anger of the Government and other sectors would be proof that the law is not a victory for Spain.
“We do not have the right to renounce unilateral actions. When it is necessary to resort to them, it must be proven that all efforts and more have been made to seek a solution through other peaceful and democratic paths.”
Carles Puigdemont, leader of Junts
Puigdemont also celebrates the European resolutions that, according to him, have favoured the independence cause. He claims that he holds no grudges and has avoided dwelling on his own suffering to generate empathy. The interview does not set deadlines for any potential unilateral action.
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