Spain’s Congress of Deputies has passed a highly contentious amnesty law aimed at pardoning hundreds of Catalan separatists involved in the 2017 independence bid. The legislation, a crucial component of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s deal to secure another term in office, was approved by a narrow majority. This pivotal vote advances the bill to the Senate, marking a critical moment in the country’s ongoing political debate over territorial unity and reconciliation.
A Tense Path to Approval
The bill’s journey through parliament has been fraught with tension and political negotiation. The final vote in the lower house was 178 in favour and 172 against, highlighting the deep divisions within Spanish politics. Prime Minister Sánchez’s Socialist party (PSOE) relied on the support of several smaller regional parties, including the Catalan separatist groups Junts and ERC, to push the legislation through. Without their backing, forming a government would have been impossible following the inconclusive general election.
The government frames the amnesty as a necessary step to “normalise” relations with Catalonia and move past the conflict that has dominated Spanish politics for over a decade. Supporters argue that it will foster dialogue and reconciliation, closing a painful chapter in the nation’s recent history. However, the path to this vote was not straightforward, requiring last-minute amendments to satisfy the demands of separatist partners who sought broader protections for their members.
Key Provisions and Beneficiaries
The law is designed to nullify the legal and criminal responsibilities of activists and politicians involved in the Catalan independence movement. It is expected to benefit around 400 people, including key figures like former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, who has been in self-imposed exile in Belgium to avoid prosecution in Spain. The legislation covers a range of alleged offences, from misuse of public funds and disobedience to public disorder, connected to the promotion of Catalan independence.
A central point of contention during negotiations was the scope of the amnesty, particularly concerning allegations of terrorism and treason. After initial rejection, the final version of the bill was amended to ensure it covers all individuals sought by Spanish courts in relation to the independence push, a key demand from Junts. This has been a major point of criticism for opponents of the law.
Widespread Opposition and Next Steps
The amnesty law faces fierce opposition from conservative and far-right parties, as well as parts of the judiciary and civil society. The main opposition People’s Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party have led large-scale street protests, arguing that the law is unconstitutional. They claim it undermines the rule of law, creates a system of impunity for politicians, and represents a betrayal of Spanish unity for the sake of political survival.
The bill will now move to the Senate, where the People’s Party holds an absolute majority. The upper house is expected to use its power to delay the legislation for up to two months but cannot veto it indefinitely. The bill will ultimately return to the Congress of Deputies for a final, definitive vote. Even if it becomes law, it is expected to face numerous legal challenges in both Spanish and European courts, ensuring the debate will continue for months to come.