The Spanish government has asked the president of Catalan Carles Puigdemont to participate in regional elections in December. Photo / Specialties

MADRID - The Spanish government said it would welcome the participation of president Catalan Carles Puigdemont in regional elections. The plan, the Spanish government will hold regional elections in December.

"If Puigdemont wants to continue politicking, which is his right, I think he should prepare for the next election," said Spanish government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo as quoted by Reuters on Sunday (29/10/2017).

Puigdemont earlier on Saturday called for a democratic opposition to Madrid's takeover of the region following its declaration of independence.

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"I believe that if Puigdemont takes part in this election, he can run this democratic opposition," de Vigo said.

After dissolving the regional parliament and sacking local authorities on Friday, Spanish Prime Minister Rajoy said new regional elections would be held in Catalonia on 21 December.

Mendez de Vigo also said he was confident that the Catalan regional police would abide by the law after the government dismissed regional officials.

He said that if Puigdemon refuses to leave his office, the government will react with intelligence and common sense.

When asked what would happen if Puigdemont had to face charges in court, Mendez replied that in Spain the judicial and political powers are separated and nothing is above the law. He did not do anything further. []

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