Read in Catalan

Catalan president Quim Torra has offered both traditional Christmas greetings and a particular New Year's wish in a speech this Saturday morning: "A very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year for 2019," he said, adding: "It must bring freedom". Torra was speaking at the presentation ceremony for Catalonia's Youth Research Awards, which have recognized the standards reached by 75 scientific research papers produced by 90 students at secondary school and vocational training levels.

Torra has said that Catalonia is a "benchmark for scientific production and the attraction of talent, despite resources being limited by its current dependence on a state that should show greater respect for Catalonia's ambition, know-how and decisiveness". He also recalled Catalonia's imprisoned and exiled pro-independence leaders and dedicated a few words to them.

Translation:
We have recognized 90 students for the best secondary-level research projects. Catalonia is committed to research, attracts talent and has a great incubator of scientific vocation in pre-university education. Congratulations to you all! — Quim Torra i Pla

"You are the best that we have and this country has confidence in you", said the Catalan president to the winners, adding that they have "a responsibility in this country" and that their research work "contributes to guaranteeing the excellence of Catalonia in the future". Torra has said that the young students are "in a sense the incubator of Catalonia" and that they must have "a key role in the present and in the future".