Transport Minister Óscar Puente has criticized the Supreme Court for not applying the amnesty to Carles Puigdemont, who is accused of embezzlement. He believes that the Supreme Court is disregarding the literal text of the law by interpreting that Puigdemont personally enriched himself during the organization of the 1-O referendum. Puente argues that the Supreme Court should be concerned that lower courts, such as the Catalan Superior Court of Justice, have granted amnesty to some accused of embezzlement while the Supreme Court has not done so in similar cases. He insists that the judiciary should apply the law as written without difficult interpretations that go against the literal text. Puente defends his right to criticize court decisions under his freedom of expression, emphasizing that he is criticizing the ruling, not the judge or the court.
Puente also commented on the escape of former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont last week, stating that the Catalonian police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, should have been responsible for arresting him. He rejects the idea that the government is responsible for controlling the border with France, as both countries are part of the Schengen Area with free movement of people. Puente believes that Puigdemont’s actions have ultimately led to his own humiliation. Furthermore, Puente expressed confidence that the recent government investments in the railway system will soon lead to noticeable improvements, reducing incidents caused by overcrowded stations and outdated trains. He acknowledges the challenges faced during this period of renewal but is optimistic that the situation is being addressed and believes that service quality will improve over time.
The minister’s criticisms of the Supreme Court’s handling of Puigdemont’s case reflect his belief that the literal text of the law should govern judicial decisions without room for complex interpretations. He emphasizes the importance of upholding the law in its clear terms and stresses his right to express disagreement with court rulings. Puente criticizes the Supreme Court’s decision not to grant amnesty to Puigdemont for embezzlement charges, especially in comparison to lower courts that have taken a different approach. He also argues that the responsibility for apprehending Puigdemont should have fallen on the Catalonian police, not the government, particularly due to the open borders between Spain and France.
In discussing Puigdemont’s recent escape, Puente highlights the need for law enforcement to fulfill their duties, particularly in cases involving high-profile individuals. He expresses disappointment in the lack of action taken by the Mossos d’Esquadra in arresting Puigdemont, despite being aware of his presence. Puente believes that Puigdemont’s actions have ultimately led to his own downfall, suggesting that his evasion has resulted in his own public embarrassment. Additionally, Puente remains hopeful that the recent government investments in railway infrastructure will lead to improvements in service quality and reliability, ultimately benefiting passengers and commuters across the country.
Overall, Puente’s comments underscore his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that legal principles are applied consistently and coherently. He advocates for a strict adherence to the literal text of the law in judicial decision-making and believes that the judiciary should avoid interpretations that deviate from the clear intent of legislation. By criticizing the Supreme Court’s handling of Puigdemont’s case and highlighting the importance of law enforcement responsibilities, Puente aims to promote accountability and transparency within the legal system. Despite the challenges faced in the railway sector, Puente remains optimistic about the future improvements that will result from government investments and efforts to modernize infrastructure.
