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Spain's acting Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, is facing mounting criticism from conservative opposition parties and members of the judiciary over his proposal to grant amnesty to Catalan separatists. The political turmoil comes as Sanchez, whose Socialists secured the second position in the July 23 parliamentary elections, races against time to form a coalition government before November 27, or potentially trigger fresh elections.
Sanchez's bid to forge a coalition hinges on securing the support of Catalan independence parties, which comes at the cost of granting amnesty to those involved in the failed secession attempt in 2017. While the move has garnered support from the moderate Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), Sanchez has yet to secure the backing of Together for Catalonia (Junts Per Catalunya), led by Carles Puigdemont, a key figure in the 2017 events.
In response to the government's overtures to the Catalan separatists, opposition parties have intensified their criticism. Accusations of corruption and claims that Sanchez is undermining the rule of law have become more vocal in recent days.
Alberto Nunez Feijoo, head of the Popular Party, declared on Saturday in the Basque region, "Exchanging votes for impunity is corruption," and vowed at a rally in Valencia a day later that "we will defend Spain."
As negotiations reach a critical phase, left-wing party negotiator Jaume Asens expressed optimism, stating, "We are in the final stretch of very difficult negotiations, which will allow us to open a new era in Catalonia." The outcome of these negotiations will not only shape the future of Catalonia but also determine the political path Spain will take in the coming months.
