Spanish PM Faces Criticism Over Amnesty for Separatists

Facts

• Far-right activists have reportedly branded acting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez a traitor over his support for an amnesty for Catalan separatists who attempted to secede from Spain in 2017.¹
• On Saturday, Sánchez had said that a 'total reunion' was overdue in Catalonia, as the country's divisions had been lessened by the pardon of high-ranking separatists' in 2021.²
• Addressing the Socialist Party's federal committee, Sánchez defended the proposal 'in the interest of Spain and coexistence,' arguing that the move could give the right-wing parties a 'second chance' to 'roll back decades in a few years.'³
• However, far-right and right-wing politicians — who joined thousands in a massive protest in Madrid on Sunday — claimed that 'offering an amnesty in exchange for political favors' conflicts with the rule of law in Spain.⁴
• There are also reports that Sánchez is seeking support from pro-independence parties, such as ERC and JxCat, to form a government. If efforts are unsuccessful, Spain will automatically be forced to hold new elections.⁵
• Following an inconclusive July general election, Sánchez needs the backing of at least 176 members of the 350-seat parliament to win a crucial vote that must take place before Nov. 27.⁶

Sources: ¹The Telegraph, ²Politico, ³Catalan News, ⁴Spain in English, ⁵France 24 and ⁶The Japan Times.

Narratives

• Right narrative, as provided by CFTN. Sánchez isn't negotiating this amnesty in the name of Spain but with the aim of remaining in power. By making a pact with pro-independence Catalans, who have been charged with sedition for their roles in the illegal October 2017 referendum, Sánchez will break the country. Spaniards must protest against the proposal that intends to allow traitors to join the government.
• Left narrative, as provided by EFE Noticias. While Sánchez is pushing for amnesty in the name of Spain, he is also doing so in the interest of Spain. Pardoning the separatists is the right thing to do, as it will bridge the gap between Catalonia and the rest of the country, bringing unity to the nation. The central government must break the political deadlock and bury the contentious issue forever by passing an amnesty law.

Predictions