New Prime Minister of Spain Sworn In; New Catalonia Government Emphasizes Independence

Nationalists in Catalonia, Spain, regained control of the wealthy region's government on Saturday and immediately emphasized their efforts for Catalonia's independence. This poses a serious challenge for Pedro Sánchez, the new Prime Minister of Spain, who also took office on the same day. The new Catalonia government was sworn in after months of tension with the central government of Spain, ending a direct rule from Madrid that lasted seven months. Catalan separatists had declared independence last year, which led to Madrid's intervention and the dissolution of the Catalan government at that time. Sánchez, the socialist Prime Minister of Spain, has called for dialogue with Catalan leaders but has also emphasized his opposition to holding a referendum on the region's independence. Quim Torra, the new leader of Catalonia, has called for negotiations with the Prime Minister of Spain. He was sworn in just hours before the new Catalonia government began its work. Reuters reports that the unexpected timing of the formation of both the central Spanish government and the Catalonia regional government could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the relations between Madrid and this region, which has been very tense in recent months, to the extent that some Catalan politicians have been imprisoned or fled abroad. Both sides are calling for dialogue, although each has different views and goals. Sánchez follows the policy of the previous Spanish government, which opposed Catalonia's independence. However, Quim Torra, after his cabinet was sworn in, told a gathering of separatists chanting 'Freedom, Freedom' that 'this government is committed to pursuing the path of independence and forming a republic.' He then addressed Sánchez, saying: 'Come and let’s talk together. Let’s reach an understanding on this question. Let you and I be risk-takers. We must sit around a table and negotiate, our government and your government.' Sánchez, who managed to force Mariano Rajoy, the former Prime Minister of Spain, to resign, formed a difficult coalition among the main socialist, far-left, and Catalan and Basque nationalists, achieving the most fragile majority that the Spanish parliament has seen since 1975.