AFP, Spain :
Spain’s King Felipe VI Thursday praised the merits of unity in his first speech in Catalonia since the wealthy northwest region held a symbolic vote on independence.
“We cannot allow weakening or division as the world moves towards greater integration, reflecting the increased interdependence that defines our societies and economies,” the monarch said in his speech to Catalan business leaders in Barcelona.
The king, who came to power in June, was also addressing regional president Artur Mas, who now hopes to organise early elections in Catalonia by the end of 2016 centred on independence from the rest of Spain.
“More than ever we must unite our strengths and strategies,” he said, also stressing the need for a spirit of “cooperation and solidarity.”
Of the 2.3 million Catalans who took part in the symbolic vote on November 9, around 1.9 million voted in favour of independence for the region, which is home to 7.5 million and accounts for around a fifth of Spain’s economic output.
Spain’s King Felipe VI Thursday praised the merits of unity in his first speech in Catalonia since the wealthy northwest region held a symbolic vote on independence.
“We cannot allow weakening or division as the world moves towards greater integration, reflecting the increased interdependence that defines our societies and economies,” the monarch said in his speech to Catalan business leaders in Barcelona.
The king, who came to power in June, was also addressing regional president Artur Mas, who now hopes to organise early elections in Catalonia by the end of 2016 centred on independence from the rest of Spain.
“More than ever we must unite our strengths and strategies,” he said, also stressing the need for a spirit of “cooperation and solidarity.”
Of the 2.3 million Catalans who took part in the symbolic vote on November 9, around 1.9 million voted in favour of independence for the region, which is home to 7.5 million and accounts for around a fifth of Spain’s economic output.
