Spain lawmakers vote against Catalan separatists amnesty bill

Spanish congress rejects a controversial amnesty law that aimed to benefit Catalan nationalists involved in separatist activities

Catalan separatist lawmakers dealt Spain’s government a blow Tuesday by voting against an amnesty law that aimed to help hundreds of their supporters who were involved in Catalonia’s unsuccessful 2017 independence bid.

The rejection was not limited to Catalan parties, as the conservative People’s Party and the far-right Vox also voted against the bill. Consequently, the proposal fell short of the necessary majority by five votes, receiving a total of 171 votes against.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had previously agreed to the amnesty law in exchange for the parliamentary support of two small Catalan separatist parties Esquerra Republicana and Junts per Catalunya. This support was instrumental in forming a new minority leftist government late last year.

The amnesty law had become a contentious issue, with significant opposition from various quarters. Critics, including conservative and far-right opposition parties, judiciary members, police, and even figures within Sánchez’s own party, were vocal in their objections. 

The rejection of the amnesty law underscores the ongoing challenges and divisions within Spanish politics, particularly concerning the sensitive and complex issue of Catalonia’s push for independence.

Source:Newsroom

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