Carles Puigdemont in Switzerland: FDFA reaffirms its position on Catalonia

Press releases, 14.03.2018

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has taken note of the visit of Spanish politician Carles Puigdemont to Switzerland. This is a private visit on the invitation of the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH). Mr Puigdemont is scheduled to make several public appearances during his stay in Switzerland.

In this connection, Switzerland reiterates that the question of Catalonia is an internal matter for Spain and should be handled within the framework of the Spanish constitutional order. The Swiss and Spanish authorities are in contact.
 
Mr Puigdemont's stay in Switzerland is governed by Swiss law and the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. As a Spanish citizen, Mr Puigdemont is entitled to travel freely within the Schengen area.
 
He is also at liberty to give political speeches with due respect for the Swiss legal system. 

The authorities may take measures in the event of any disruptions of public order.


Press release in Spanish(pdf, 223kb)


Address for enquiries:

Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
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E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch


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Federal Department of Foreign Affairs