Topic: Carles Puigdemont

Violent street battles have broken out in Barcelona following the sentencing of nine separatist leaders to lengthy prison terms for sedition. Former Vice President Oriol Junqueras received 13 years, while leader Carles Puigdemont remains in Belgium. The segment questions why the EU has not extradited Puigdemont and notes the rise of anti-elite sentiment across Europe, including the Yellow Vests and Dutch farmers.

The Catalan Parliament officially voted for independence, leading to celebrations in Barcelona. In response, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy invoked constitutional powers to dissolve the regional parliament and call for new elections on December 21st. The regional police chief and President Carles Puigdemont were removed from their posts as Madrid imposed direct rule.

In a BBC interview, the Catalan leader (Carles Puigdemont) stated that independence would be declared within 48 hours of the official vote count. He criticized the "disproportionate and brutal" use of force by Spanish national police, comparing it to the era of dictator Francisco Franco. Puigdemont argued that the issue is a European matter of democracy and that the will of the Catalan people must supersede the Spanish constitution.