The PNV sees a "substantial change" in the ERC referendum proposal, but believes that it does not come at the best time

Esteban welcomes the embezzlement reform and hopes that it benefits those convicted of the 'procés', but does not rule out that it also benefits others

MADRID, 13 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The PNV spokesman in Congress, Aitor Esteban, appreciates a "substantial change" in the proposal for holding a self-determination referendum in Catalonia launched by ERC, but considers that it was not the best time to put it on the table.

In a press conference in the Lower House, the spokesman for the Basque nationalists described it as "interesting" that Oriol Junqueras' men are now talking about an "agreed" referendum and in accordance with "international standards."

"There is a substantial change there, the content is impeccable," he stressed, emphasizing that the PNV has always defended that, both in the Basque Country and in Catalonia, the solution must involve people "showing up and saying what think" at the polls.

According to Esteban, if a solution to this conflict is really wanted, "this president or the next one", regardless of his political color, will have to "work" and "talk" about an issue that will not be resolved "in two days."

However, he has made it clear that, from his point of view, this was not the "most appropriate moment" to make that offer public. "I don't see it, but they will have their times," he slipped, implying that he does not understand that conditions are set for the referendum just as the PSOE has just agreed with ERC on the repeal of the crime of sedition and the reform of embezzlement .

Esteban has defended these reforms and, with regard to embezzlement, he has welcomed the return to the situation prior to 2105 when the PP reformed it, thus initiating what he has called "a policy of punishing the Catalan authorities" after the consultation promoted by the then president of the Generalitat, Artur Mas, in 2014.

For the nationalist spokesman, if these reforms can serve to ease the situation and open up solutions in Catalonia, they should be welcome. In addition, he has shown his desire that those accused or convicted of the 'procés' "benefit".

Of course, when asked about the possibility that other people involved in corruption cases also benefit, Esteban has acknowledged that when a law is changed it is "practically impossible" to calculate how many people it can affect. "I think the reform is quite focused, but that also depends on the judges," he pointed out.