Speeches, songs and a walkabout for Carles Puigdemont, back in Waterloo (photos and videos)

C arles Puigdemont and several personalities including the current leader Quim Torra spoke Saturday from the balcony of the villa in Waterloo where the former Catalan leader is back. In front of the building renamed "Casa de la Republica", Carles Puigdemont and his companions then hoisted a European flag and a Catalan flag, after half an hour of speeches marked by the applause of more than 150 people. Carles Puigdemont then left the property for a small crowd where he greeted his supporters and took part in the selfie game, among others.

All speeches were held in Catalan, with the exception of Carles Puigdemont's lawyer. In English, after commenting on the decision taken in Germany to recognize the peaceful nature of Catalonia's independence movement, the lawyer notably called on Pedro Sanchez's government to resume talks after the immediate release of " ]                         nine innocent peaceful people
                    . "

"
                        I have no doubt, I am witnessing the birth of a nation
                    Said the lawyer, prompting loud applause from Catalan supporters gathered in Waterloo. At the end of his speech, which lasted about five minutes, Carles Puigdemont also called for the release of his comrades, citing each one of those who are currently still behind bars.

After hoisting the European and Catalan flags in front of the villa in the rue de l'Avocat, the workers came to the entrance of the property to sing a Catalan song in chorus with their supporters. Carles Puigdemont then went out for a walkabout of several minutes, taking the time to talk with his supporters and to play many selfies.