Carles Puigdemont calls Ceuta and Melilla 'colonies' in Morocco

Carles Puigdemont Catalonia Ceuta and Melilla Spanish enclaves Junts

In a series of interviews, including with The Sunday Times, former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont addressed his potential return to Catalonia and the status of Spanish enclaves in Morocco.

Regarding his return, Puigdemont stated he is preparing two or three different scenarios for his homecoming. He expressed a desire to undergo an 'immersion into reality' by traveling across Catalonia to reconnect with the current social and political landscape after nine years in exile.

Puigdemont also sparked controversy by describing the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla as 'two colonies or cities within Morocco.' He suggested that a referendum on self-determination would provide legitimacy to their status, noting that from a Moroccan perspective, the enclaves represent a 'wound.' He added that Spain might avoid such a referendum due to fears of similar demands in Catalonia.

Additionally, the Junts leader criticized the Spanish government, labeling corruption cases surrounding Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as 'structural and systemic.' He also dismissed Sánchez's support for Palestine as 'electoral marketing' intended for domestic political gain.

Entities

Carles Puigdemont · Catalonia · Ceuta · Junts · Junts per Catalunya · Melilla · Pedro Sánchez · Spain · The Sunday Times

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Puigdemont is preparing two or three different scenarios regarding his potential return to Catalonia. racocatala.cat · naciodigital.cat
[● 3 SOURCES] Puigdemont described corruption cases surrounding the Spanish government as structural and systemic. racocatala.cat · www.todoalicante.es · naciodigital.cat
[● 7 SOURCES] Puigdemont intends to undergo an 'immersion into reality' by traveling across Catalonia to reconnect with the region upon his return. racocatala.cat · www.todoalicante.es · lamanyana.cat · www.3cat.cat · naciodigital.cat · +1 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Puigdemont suggested that the status of Ceuta and Melilla would be legitimized by a self-determination referendum. www.marca.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Puigdemont accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of using support for Palestine as political marketing for domestic gains. racocatala.cat · www.todoalicante.es · lamanyana.cat
[● 3 SOURCES] Carles Puigdemont described the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla as colonies or cities within Morocco. www.todoalicante.es · www.marca.com