Catalan crisis: Switzerland to offer good offices but not interfere
Switzerland-based Catalan separatist Anna Gabriel has a Spanish arrest warrant against her
Keystone
If asked, Switzerland is ready to mediate between the Spanish government and Catalan separatists but will leave it to the judiciary in Spain to decide how to handle the issue.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-ATS/ac
Madrid “must manage its internal problems in accordance with the country’s constitution,” said Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis during his Spanish counterpart Alfonso Maria Dastis Quecedo’s visit to Bern on Monday. He added that Spain was a sovereign and democratic country and that Switzerland had nothing to teach it.
It was a sentiment that was also echoed by Quecedo.
“We both agree that justice must be allowed to run its course, in the confidence that we are democratic states based on the rule of law,” he said.
The two men also discussed the case of the two notable Catalan separatists currently residing in Switzerland: Ana Gabriel and Marta Rovira.
These people, “like all European Union (EU) nationals, have the right to come to Switzerland and express themselves freely,” Cassis said. If an extradition request is filed by Spain, “we will respond legally, respecting the separation of powers,” he said.
Quecedo remarked that he was unaware if an arrest warrant for the two separatists had been sent to Interpol, but that, if so, “it would be a discussion between judges”.
Elusive whistleblower
The subject of Spain-based SwissLeaks whistleblower Hervé Falciani was also mentioned. Switzerland has requested his extradition for violating Swiss banking secrecy laws and “stealing” banking information. Cassis said there was no “secret plan” to swap him for Catalan separatists. However, he confirmed that Switzerland’s extradition request had reached Madrid a few days ago. Quecedo said that the extradition request was also something that was a matter for the Spanish courts to decide and not the government.
More
More
Swiss Politics
Puidgemont says Swiss model may offer alternative to independence
This content was published on
Independence is not the only solution for solving the ongoing crisis between Catalonia and Spain, according to Carles Puigdemont.
Positive first appraisal of Swiss integration centre for refugees
This content was published on
The Swiss justice minister Beat Jans visited the Swiss Red Cross training centre for refugees in canton Bern to meet those in a special training programme.
Swiss and German leaders discuss European security and tariffs pressure
This content was published on
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin to discuss their countries' commitment to security in Europe and the consequences of US tariffs.
Fossil uncovered in southern Switzerland of prehistoric aquatic reptile
This content was published on
During excavations in Meride, southern Switzerland, researchers from the Ticino natural history museum discovered for the first time an aquatic reptile of the genus Lariosaurus with preserved skin.
EU appoints German diplomat as new ambassador to Switzerland
This content was published on
German diplomat Andreas Künne is the European Union's new ambassador-designate for Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, the EU announced on Tuesday.
Swiss Post to re-start shipping some packages to US
This content was published on
From Thursday, private customers will once again be able to send packages with a value of up to $100 (CHF124) to the United States via Swiss Post.
Continuing professional training leads to higher income, Swiss study shows
This content was published on
According to a study by the Swiss statistical office, ten years after graduating, people who continue training earn more than those who have not taken any further training.
Bern Film Awards go to two documentaries and one feature
This content was published on
This year's Bern Film Awards honour documentaries about inheritance, the island of Stromboli and a feature film about a single mother.
Switzerland ends study on exposure to PFAS and pesticides to cut costs
This content was published on
The Federal Office for Public Health has decided to discontinue a long-term study on the impact of forever chemicals on human health due to the federal government's cost-cutting measures.
Nestlé sacks CEO Laurent Freixe after affair with employee
This content was published on
Swiss food giant Nestlé has dismissed its CEO, Laurent Freixe, after an investigation uncovered a relationship with a female employee.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Arrest warrant issued for Catalonia separatist in Switzerland
This content was published on
Anna Gabriel, a leading figure in the Catalonian separatist movement, will not leave Switzerland for Spanish court appearance.
Puidgemont says Swiss model may offer alternative to independence
This content was published on
Independence is not the only solution for solving the ongoing crisis between Catalonia and Spain, according to Carles Puigdemont.
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry is ready to set up a platform for dialogue between the Spanish Government and the Catalan authorities, according to the Swiss public television RTS. The ministry confirmed to RTS that the Swiss authorities are “in contact with both parties”. In principle, it said, it examines all arbitration requests and reacts positively…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.