Former French Prime Minister says Catalan independence would be 'madness'
Manuel Valls, a resident in Barcelona, made the comments in a local TV interview
A former Prime Minister of France has said the idea of Catalonia receiving independence from Spain would be "madness."
Manuel Valls, a resident of Barcelona, was speaking to a local television channel when he made the comments.
In the interview, he said the strength of Spain came from regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country.
Valls questions the wish of Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont to pull the region from the country, saying they would be leaving the European Union if they did so.
The comments made by the former French leader come days after the controversial and violent vote, which was branded illegal by the government in Madrid.
Riot police were filmed breaking into establishments to seize ballot boxes and people were dragged from polling stations by the authorities.