He says to be President Puigdemont must be in Spain
Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy has said he will not allow the exiled - former President Carles Puigdemont to become leader of Catalonia.
In a statement to the press Rajoy said this would only be possible if Puigdemont returns from Belgium.
"In the event that Mr. Puigdemont attends an investiture debate from Brussels, the Government would immediately appeal that crazy decision."
Rajoy has warned that if Puigdemont does not return he will continue enforcing the controversial Article 155 which gives the central Spanish government the right to take over the running of the Catalan state.
In only a few days the Catalan parliament is due to elect a new government - but without Puigdemont as their leader it's difficult to see how the regional state can continue with it's governance.