The Catalan regional president Quim Torra is immediately removed from office. The Catalan leader is also fined 30,000 euros for hanging a banner on the balcony of the state administration during the 2019 elections.
Torra had previously been convicted of hanging the banner calling for the release of imprisoned Catalan politicians. The Spanish Supreme Court today confirms that judgment, which prohibits Torra from performing public office for a year and a half.
The posting of political messages on public buildings during elections is prohibited by Spanish law. Torra ignored repeated calls from the central electoral council to remove the banner from the terrace of the Catalan administration in Barcelona.
For the first time
The Supreme Court speaks of Torra’s “stubborn and obstinate” refusal, which jeopardized the neutrality of the election. “Torra is free to express his political identity. But he must obey institutions that monitor the conduct of elections,” the court ruled.
The Court’s verdict was unanimous. The convicted Torra can now still appeal to the Constitutional Court. Whether he will do that is not yet clear.
Quim Torra succeeded Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont in 2018. At the time, he fled to Belgium to escape criminal proceedings for organizing the banned referendum in the region. It is the first time that a sitting Catalan regional president has been removed from office.
“Assault on self-government”
Torra’s conviction paves the way for early elections in Catalonia. Independence groups have announced protests in Catalonia this afternoon in response to the impeachment.
“His impeachment is a serious assault on Catalonia’s self-government.
–
