New protest as Spanish King Felipe and Pedro Sánchez visit Catalonia

Dozens of people gathered outside the entrances to carmaker SEAT’s industrial estate in Martorell on Friday morning to protest against the visit of King Felipe and Spanish president Pedro Sánchez. The group of protesters called by CDR activists marched from Martorell’s city center towards the industrial estate, meanwhile around 20 more hung four banners from bridges above the AP-7 and A-2 highways nearby.

The Catalan police made an order to remove some protesters and, according to pro-independence civic group ANC, in charge of the demonstration, officers identified a few of the activists. Law enforcement also removed people who had been rallying on a bridge above the AP-7 close to Can Cases forest, arguing that there was a risk of them falling off the bridge. No incidents were reported prior to the visit.

The protests were significantly smaller than previous rallies held to greet the monarch, such as the last one in Barcelona’s Estació de França, attracting hundreds and with tension reported.

King Felipe and Pedro Sánchez were due to take part in SEAT’s 70^th anniversary institutional event on Friday, along with the carmaker’s most senior officials.  The Catalan government boycotted the event to demonstrate their opposition to the Spanish crown.