Massive demonstration in Spain against the amnesty of Catalan separatists
The amnesty bill for Catalan separatists proposed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez continues to spark controversy in the country. Last Sunday, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators, mobilized at the call of the right-wing opposition, marched through the streets of several major Spanish cities to express their opposition to this measure.
The attempted secession of Catalonia in 2017 deeply divided Spanish society, and this amnesty granted to separatists pursued by the courts crystallizes tensions. Considered by some as an attack on the rule of law, this measure is seen as a concession made by Sanchez to secure the support of Catalan separatists and be returned to power.
The mobilization was particularly strong in Madrid, where nearly 80,000 demonstrators gathered in the central square of Puerta del Sol. Armed with Spanish flags, they chanted slogans such as “Pedro Sanchez resign” or displayed signs expressing their opposition to the amnesty. Protesters, representing a broad cross-section of Spanish society, criticize the measure for its impact on the country’s territorial unity, as well as the principles of equality and separation of powers.
The leader of the right-wing opposition, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, stressed that the mobilization went well beyond his own party, the Popular Party (PP). He warned that they would not be silent until there were new elections. The demonstration reflects growing public opposition to the amnesty and highlights the deep divisions within Spanish society over the issue of Catalan independence.
The far-right Vox party also took part in the protests, calling for “permanent” mobilization to counter what they consider a “coup d’état” orchestrated by the alliance of the socialists with the Catalan separatists.
The amnesty bill must be examined in parliament this week, and Pedro Sanchez is assured of obtaining the renewal of his mandate thanks to the support of Catalan independence deputies. However, Sunday’s mobilization shows that this amnesty remains a subject of deep controversy in Spain and that many citizens strongly oppose this measure.
The question of Catalan independence continues to divide and cause tension within Spanish society. It is clear that this debate is far from over and that the amnesty of Catalan separatists will remain a subject of contention in the months to come.