Carles Puigdemont’s speech a day after declaring Catalonia an independent republic was broadcast across the region Borja Sanchez-Trillo/GettyThe man leading Catalonia’s drive for independence pledged to continue “to build a free country” despite being dismissed from his position as president of the regional government by Madrid. Spain’s government responded to Carles Puigdemont’s declaration of a new republic yesterday by bringing Catalan institutions under direct rule and sacking key figures of the regional authorities, including the head of the police force. Today Mr Puigdemont stood firm on his commitments, calling for “democratic opposition” as Madrid was said to be preparing charges of rebellion for the former president and his closest allies after a banned referendum this month. In a speech sent to reporters beforehand and signed off as “president of the Catalan government”, he asked Catalans to defend the republic as thousands took…

Source: The Times October 28, 2017 16:52 UTC