All articles tagged with #catalan separatists
Spain's Constitutional Court upheld key provisions of an amnesty law for over 300 Catalan separatists involved in the 2017 independence push, ruling it constitutional and rejecting most of the opposition's appeal, though it does not benefit exiled leader Puigdemont. The law aims to promote national unity and was part of a political agreement to support Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Spanish lawmakers rejected a divisive Catalan amnesty bill, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's left-wing minority government, which depends on a patchwork of support to pass legislation. The bill, demanded by the hardline separatist party JxCat in exchange for its parliamentary support, was voted against after its last-minute amendments were rejected. The bill, which would apply to those wanted by the justice system over the 2017 Catalan independence bid, faces hurdles in the Senate and legal challenges, with some members of the judiciary opposing it.
Tens of thousands protested in Madrid against the Spanish government's plan to grant amnesty to Catalan separatists involved in the 2017 secession bid, with the rally organized by the conservative opposition party. The bill, a key condition for support from Catalan parties in the coalition government, will be considered in Spain's lower house of Parliament on Tuesday, and if approved, it would prevent legal action against those involved in the secession attempt.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to form a new government with the support of a majority of lawmakers, despite initially being written off as politically finished. However, to secure the backing of the Catalan separatist Junts group, Sánchez's Socialist Party has filed a controversial bill proposing amnesty for those involved in the Catalan separatist movement. The move has sparked protests and social tensions, with the center-right Popular Party vowing to challenge the amnesty in court. Even if the amnesty passes, it remains to be seen if it will prove problematic for Sánchez, as it could allow figures like former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont to return to Spain and exert pressure on the government.
Spain's Socialist Party, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has filed a controversial amnesty bill that would grant amnesty to individuals prosecuted for their involvement in the Catalan separatist movement over the past decade. The bill, which is expected to pass in the lower house of parliament, aims to resolve the political conflict in Catalonia and heal wounds. However, it is likely to face opposition in the upper house controlled by the center-right Popular Party. The amnesty would cancel penalties imposed on over 300 people linked to the independence movement, including those involved in the failed 2017 Catalan independence referendum.
Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has secured the support of two more regional parties, the National Basque Party (PNV) and the Canaries' Coalition, in his bid for another term in office. This, along with the backing of the Catalan separatist party Junts, gives Sanchez an absolute majority in the lower house. However, there is widespread anger over his pledge of amnesty for Catalan separatists, with opinion polls showing a divided country on the issue. The proposed amnesty law would free individuals involved in Catalonia's 2017 secession attempt from legal proceedings and allow separatist leaders to run for office again. Critics argue that Sanchez is jeopardizing the rule of law for political gain, while tensions have escalated, leading to clashes between protesters and police.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has secured the support of the Catalan separatist Junts party, allowing him to form a government and stay in power. In exchange for their backing, Sánchez's Socialists agreed to propose a new law granting amnesty to those involved in the failed 2017 Catalan independence referendum. The amnesty bill has caused tension both domestically and abroad, with protests in Madrid and concerns raised by the European Commissioner for Justice. The deal clears the way for former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont to potentially return to Spain and reinvigorate his campaign for independence. However, the complex negotiations and concessions made for this agreement raise concerns about Spain's political stability.
Dozens of people, including police officers, were injured in protests outside the Madrid headquarters of Spain's ruling socialist party. The demonstrations were against the party's plans to offer an agreement deal to Catalan separatists. The protests turned violent, with clashes between protesters and riot police. The issue of the agreement has emerged after the inconclusive general election, where the conservative People's party narrowly beat the socialist party. The socialist party can only form a government with the support of the two main Catalan pro-independence parties, who are demanding amnesty for those involved in the failed push for secession.
Spanish King Felipe VI has tasked caretaker Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez with forming a government after the inconclusive national election in July. Sánchez, who does not have enough seats to govern on his own, will need the support of far-left and separatist parties. His biggest challenge will be securing the backing of Catalan separatist groups, who are demanding a blanket amnesty and a new independence referendum. If Sánchez fails to obtain majority support by November 27, new elections will be held in Spain.
Spanish Popular Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo failed to secure enough votes to become prime minister in a vote by lawmakers. Feijoo's conservative party won the most seats in the July 2023 general election but has struggled to form a coalition government due to opposition to concessions for separatist parties. Feijoo will have a second vote on Friday, but his chances of being chosen are slim. If he fails, acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez may have a chance to stay in office with the support of regionalist parties, including those led by exiled former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont.
Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Madrid to demonstrate against reports that acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez may grant amnesty to Catalan separatists in exchange for political support. The conservative People's Party organized the protest, with estimates of the turnout ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 people. Sanchez is seeking support from regionalist parties, including Junts per Catalunya, led by exiled former Catalonia leader Carles Puigdemont, who demands the dropping of legal action against separatists. Sanchez has not confirmed any amnesty deal, but his candidacy for prime minister is expected to be put forward after PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo's bid falls short.
Spain's King Felipe VI is faced with the task of choosing the next prime minister as none of the party leaders have secured a majority of votes to form a government after last month's inconclusive national election. Conservative leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo argues that his Popular Party, which won the most votes, should be given the opportunity to form a government, but lacks the necessary support. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez appears better positioned to remain in office, but needs to persuade Catalan separatist MPs to vote for him. The king's decision will be met with criticism regardless of whom he chooses.
Spain's Socialists have lost one seat after the count of votes from abroad, making it more difficult for them to form a left-wing coalition government without the active support of hardline Catalan separatists. The revised seat count means that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez would need the backing of Junts, a more hardline Catalan party, in addition to Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, to secure a majority. The PP could potentially form a government with the support of Vox and other regional parties, but no other parties have expressed willingness to support an administration that includes Vox. The Canarian Coalition has not yet decided if it will support Sanchez. Junts has stated its conditions for support, including permission to hold a referendum on Catalan independence and amnesty for separatists facing legal charges.