SPAIN: The Socialist Party’s proposal for amnesty for those involved in the failed Catalan independence attempt six years ago has sparked protests in Barcelona, with the anti-independence party Societat Civil Catalana calling for the march. Catalan separatist parties have pledged to support a new socialist-led government after the general election if they receive amnesty in exchange.
The Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE), led by acting prime minister Pedro Sánchez, has King Felipe’s approval to form a government but will need the Junts party’s votes. The conservative People’s Party (PP) failed to secure MPs’ backing for a government during an investiture vote in September, falling short of a parliamentary majority.
Puigdemont, a Catalan activist, has been ordered to appear before Spanish courts for his involvement in planning the failed secession. Opposition MPs argue that Sánchez’s openness to amnesty reflects his ambition to retain power and over-reliance on separatist parties.
PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo criticized the planned political agreement as a “backwards step” opposed by the majority of Spaniards.
Feijóo emphasized the importance of democracy and condemning reactionary decisions. Catalonia is not a company or a society where the law is not followed, and the office of Prime Minister cannot be bought or sold, he added.
Isabel Dáz Ayuso, the PP head of the Madrid region, claimed that Sánchez was attempting to lead Catalonia down a blind alley in exchange for votes.
Barcelona police reported 50,000 attendees at a protest, and organizers added that 300,000 people attended the protest. The Socialist Party’s Catalan branch leader, Salvador Illa, criticized the protest for exacerbating political polarization and inciting resentment.
He added, “What we’re seeing once again today is the right hand-in-hand with the far right: Feijóo right there next to Abascal, stirring up fears.”
Pere Aragonès, regional president of pro-independence Catalonia, criticized Sunday’s demonstration as a setback for the right and far right, predicting it would strengthen the independence movement.
He criticized Feijóo, Ayuso, and Abascal for their message of vengeance, repression, and hatred. Meanwhile, Sánchez emphasized that actions will be in the common interest and conform to the constitution, and his pardon of nine Catalan independence leaders two years ago helped resolve the situation.
He has until 27 November to present his candidacy before MPs, and if unsuccessful, parliament will dissolve, and Spain will return to the polls in mid-January.
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