Spanish Lower House Approves Amnesty for Catalan Separatists

  Pixabay

The Lower House of the Spanish Parliament voted in favor of a law granting amnesty to Catalan separatists on Thursday, 14 March 2024. The separatists were previously convicted for their attempt to separate Catalonia from Spain in 2017. The new law will prevent any punishment for these individuals.

In previous votes, the amnesty law failed to pass through the parliament. However, on Thursday, it received the approval of a slight majority of 178 members against 172 objectors. The law has caused division among judges and Spanish citizens, with large protests taking place in Madrid on the same day.

Potential Block in the Senate

The law could still face opposition in the Spanish Senate, where conservative parties hold a majority. These parties have indicated their likelihood to vote against the law. However, according to Spanish law, the Lower House has the power to ignore such a veto.

Boost for Premier Pedro Sánchez

The passing of the amnesty law marks a significant victory for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who began his second term in November. His minority coalition receives support from the Catalan Junts party, who in return, demanded amnesty for those being prosecuted for seeking an independent Catalonia.

Context of the Separatist Movement

In October 2017, the regional government of Catalonia held a referendum on declaring independence. 90 percent of voters chose to separate from Spain and form an independent Catalan republic. The Spanish government, led by then Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, strongly opposed the referendum. Spain’s constitutional court banned the referendum, but Catalonia proceeded with it. The Spanish government then used force to impede access to the polling stations, resulting in over a thousand people being injured.