There has been a lot of talk in Spain in recent days with the amnesty bill for Catalan separatists negotiated by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. This controversial decision aims to obtain the support of Catalan independence parties for his return to power. However, the right-wing opposition and part of the judiciary are speaking out against this measure, considering it an attack on the rule of law and a form of corruption.
The bill provides for an amnesty for Catalan separatists prosecuted by Spanish justice, in particular for their involvement in the attempted secession of Catalonia in 2017. This proposal was accepted by Pedro Sanchez in order to guarantee the support of Catalan independence deputies. If his party, the Socialist Party, has already obtained the support of the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), he is still waiting for the green light from the Together for Catalonia (Junts Per Catalunya) party of Carles Puigdemont, the main leader of the events of 2017 .
However, this proposal deeply divides opinion in Spain. The right-wing opposition, represented by the Popular Party (PP), fiercely opposes this measure and accuses Pedro Sanchez of wanting to do everything to stay in power. Demonstrations in support of the opposition are increasing in the country’s main cities, with slogans such as “Puigdemont, in prison” and “Sánchez, traitor!”. The tension is palpable and the police had to intervene to disperse the demonstrators in Madrid.
In addition, part of the judiciary strongly criticizes this amnesty project, believing that it would endanger the rule of law. The General Council of the Judiciary, the body responsible for appointing judges, expressed concern over the proposal, saying it could “degrade the rule of law.” The Professional Association of the Judiciary (APM), a conservative organization with a majority among judges, also condemned this measure which, according to it, “would explode the rule of law”.
Faced with this growing opposition, Pedro Sanchez must face a real challenge to convince people of the legitimacy of this amnesty project. If his reappointment to power is decisive for the political stability of Spain, he must find a balance between the interests of Catalan separatists and the opposition which denounces an attack on the rule of law. This decision will have repercussions on the political future of Spain and on the question of the independence of Catalonia.
In conclusion, the amnesty bill for Catalan separatists negotiated by Pedro Sanchez is causing great controversy in Spain. The right-wing opposition and part of the judiciary denounce an attack on the rule of law, while the Prime Minister seeks to obtain the support of Catalan independence deputies to remain in power. It remains to be seen how this situation will evolve and what the political consequences of this decision will be.