Carles Puigdemont dines with Flemish deputy Lorin Parys

Carles Puigdemont dines with Flemish deputy Lorin Parys
Election issues in Mr Puigdemont’s stronghold, Gérone, proved a topic of conversation during the meal.

The deposed Minister-President of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, and his former advisers (ministers), present in Belgium, ate on Thursday night with the Flemish deputy Lorin Parys (New Flemish Alliance). The Flemish nationalist explained following the dinner, “This was not a political meeting, but a congenial evening.”

Since he arrived in Belgium, Carles Puigdemont has claimed that he is not seeking to make contact with Belgian politicians. Mr Parys explained, “I did not feel like it was our first meeting.” He went on, “I simply invited several of my acquaintances and we spent a very pleasant evening together. It was important for them to be able to dine in a completely relaxed setting.”

Of note, the guests discussed election issues in the town of Gérone, Mr Puigdemont’s stronghold. Mr Parys further said, “The Socialists had held power there for decades before Mr Puigdemont’s party took over the reigns. This, of course, inspires me in view of the Leuven municipal elections (where Mr Parys will head the list of election candidates for the New Flemish Alliance, editor’s note).”

The Flemish deputy indicated that he had not requested the permission of the New Flemish Alliance Chairman to organise this social gathering. He stated, “I am not used to asking Bart De Wever which friends I can invite to social occasions.” He went on, “However, I support the right of the Catalan people to choose in which society they wish to live.”

A New Flemish Alliance spokesman reacted, “These are not terrorists or criminals, and can speak to whoever they wish.” The former members of the Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalonia Generality) will appear at 2 p.m. before the court in chambers.


The Brussels Times


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