'This is over': Puigdemont's Catalan independence doubts caught on camera
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/31/this-is-over-puigdemonts-catalan-independence-doubts-caught-on-camera
The ousted Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont, has admitted privately that his attempt to secure regional independence is over and claims he has been sacrificed by his own side, according to messages sent to a colleague and captured by TV cameras.
On Wednesday, a Spanish TV show published messages that Puigdemont had sent to his former health minister Toni Comín while the latter was at an event in Leuven, Belgium, the previous evening. They mention “the last days of republican Catalonia” and suggest the deposed leader is preparing to abandon his attempt to return to office.
“I guess you’ve realised that this is over,” reads one.
“Our people have sacrificed us. Or at least me.” It goes on to refer to the pro-independence Catalan MP Joan Tardà, who suggested at the weekend that Puigdemont could step aside to allow another candidate to become president: “You will be ministers (I hope and wish) but I’ve already been sacrificed just like Tardà said.”
Another says: “The [Spanish government’s] plan has won” before expressing the hope that the victory will lead to the release of the four Catalan leaders in prison.
He confirmed on Wednesday morning that he had sent the messages, but insisted he was still the best candidate to represent the Catalan people.