VOICED : Puigdemont asegura que puede presidir Cataluna desde Belgica

Carles Puigdemont, the Catalan independence leader, stated he could govern Catalonia from Belgium, arguing that he cannot be both president and a prisoner. His comments come amid consultations by the new Catalan Parliament president, Roger Torrent, to promote a candidate for investiture after the December 21 elections, where secessionists won an absolute majority. Puigdemont, removed from the regional presidency by Mariano Rajoy's government, is the sole candidate after an agreement between his list, Together for Catalonia, and the Republican Left of Catalonia. The government plans to challenge a non-presential investiture in the Constitutional Court, as many jurists claim it does not fit the regulations. The regional president's appointment must be signed by King Felipe VI.

What reason does Carles Puigdemont give for needing to govern from Belgium?

• He wants to avoid the cold weather in Catalonia.

• He believes he cannot be both president and a prisoner.

• He prefers the Belgian political system.

• He is banned from entering Catalonia.

What was the outcome of the December 21 elections in Catalonia?

• The elections were postponed.

• The elections were declared invalid.

• The secessionists lost the majority.

• The secessionists won an absolute majority.

Who is the new president of the Catalan Parliament?

• Roger Torrent

• Mariano Rajoy

• Felipe VI

• Carles Puigdemont

Which parties reached an agreement for Puigdemont's candidacy?

• Together for Catalonia and the Republican Left of Catalonia

• The Green Party and the Liberal Party

• The Democratic Union and the Citizens Party

• The People's Party and the Socialist Party

What action does the Spanish government plan regarding Puigdemont's investiture?

• They will ignore it completely.

• They will organize a public referendum.

• They will challenge it in the Constitutional Court.

• They will support it unconditionally.