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The Catalan government has decided to suspend all public activity by the president and ministers during the general strike called in Catalonia for this Thursday, 21st February. The announcement was made by interior minister Miquel Buch today.

The strike, called by union Intersindical-CSC and seconded by a number of others, is in protest of the Catalan independence trial currently underway in Spain's Supreme Court and labour rights.

Buch explained that the government "respects the Catalan people's right to strike" and that this specific instance is "more sensitive due to the reasons behind it". These are the reasons behind the decision to suspend all public activities.

The minister also said, however, that the interior and labour departments will continue working on Thursday to monitor the strike and its effect. Asked about the possibility of ministers attending any of the rallies organised on the day, Buch did not give any details.