Geert Bourgeois says arrest warrant for Carles Puigdemont “more than a bridge too far”

Geert Bourgeois says arrest warrant for Carles Puigdemont “more than a bridge too far”
Geert Bourgeois advocates dialogue and democratic processes to resolve political differences.

The Flemish Minister-President, Geert Bourgeois (New Flemish Alliance), is “shocked” by the decision of the Spanish courts to incarcerate the ousted Catalan government. He feels likewise sbout the issue of a European arrest warrant against the five cabinet members.

One of these includes Carles Puigdemont and all five cabinet members are still in Belgium. He reacted, “Imprisoning democratically elected leaders is going more than a bridge too far.” Geert Bourgeois is calling for the European Union (EU) to act now.

The Spanish courts decided on Thursday to place eight Catalan ministers into custody. A European arrest warrant was issued for Carles Puigdemont and four other ministers, who are still staying in Belgium.

Geert Bourgeois says he is “shocked.” He goes on, “Imprisoning democratically elected leaders is going more than a bridge too far. We must resolve political differences through dialogue and democratic processes, such as elections.”

The Minister-President again returned to the EU. He said, “I am astounded that such a thing is possible in contemporary Europe. I am therefore - once again - issuing an urgent appeal to all European member states to act and look for, together with Spain and Catalonia, democratic solutions to this crisis.”


The Brussels Times


Copyright © 2024 The Brussels Times. All Rights Reserved.