Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is facing significant controversy as he seeks a new term in office. His party recently submitted a contentious bill proposing amnesty for Catalan separatists, just days before the crucial parliamentary vote on Thursday. Sanchez, who has been in power since 2018, is likely to secure another term, albeit by a narrow margin. In return, the proposed amnesty law aims to provide legal protection for individuals prosecuted over Catalonia's secession attempts since 2012.
The prospect of amnesty for Catalan separatists has triggered widespread protests, with thousands of opponents taking to the streets in recent days. The draft of the bill, which has been negotiated with Catalan separatist parties ERC and Junts, includes provisions exempting certain crimes, like terrorism or offenses resulting in death, from the amnesty. However, those who facilitated the independence votes conducted in 2014 and 2017 will benefit from the amnesty, along with individuals accused of attempting to prevent these ballots, including police officers accused of using excessive force.
According to local media estimates, the amnesty will potentially apply to 409 defendants, including at least 73 police officers charged with various crimes over the years. Notably, the bill explicitly states that individuals to whom the amnesty applies will not be affected by any arrest warrants, whether domestic, European, or international. This provision could potentially shield Carles Puigdemont, the exiled pro-independence leader who is currently a fugitive from Spanish justice for his role in the 2017 events. However, Puigdemont is still under investigation for his involvement in organizing a secretive protest group that could be classified as terrorism.
In what appears to be a concession by the separatist parties, the bill emphasizes that all political actions must comply with both national and international legal frameworks. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, a former foreign minister under Sanchez's leadership, expressed concerns about the agreements struck with the pro-Catalan independence parties. While Borrell did not elaborate further, his comments suggest unease within the political establishment regarding the amnesty bill.
Various stakeholders have criticized Sanchez's amnesty proposal. Spain's main business association warned that these deals could adversely impact the country's business climate, disrupt market unity, and harm Spain's international image. As Sanchez has been negotiating support from smaller parties since the inconclusive election on July 23, the hard-left party Sumar is expected to become the junior partner in the coalition government.
Sanchez's reappointment bid is predicted to secure 179 votes in favor and 171 against, primarily from the conservative People's Party and the far-right Vox party. Despite the controversy surrounding the proposed amnesty, Sanchez seems poised to secure another term as Spain's Prime Minister, albeit potentially facing significant backlash from opposition parties and certain segments of society.