Spain’s Sánchez seeks support for progressive coalition government

After being asked to form a government by King Felipe VI, caretaker Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is aiming to secure enough support to establish a progressive coalition government. Sánchez, leader of the Socialist Party, plans to meet with all political parties except the far-right in an effort to gain the necessary parliamentary backing. His goal is to form a coalition between the Socialist Party and the left-wing coalition group, Sumar. However, he requires the support of Catalan nationalist parties, specifically Together for Catalonia (JxCat) and the Catalan Republican Left (ERC), in order to reach the majority of 176 seats required for a majority. The Catalan parties are demanding amnesty for separatists involved in the 2017 bid for independence, including the leader of JxCat, Carles Puigdemont, who is currently in Belgium to evade prosecution.

The matter of amnesty for the separatists is contentious, as it is a significant step that has not been taken since Spain’s transition to democracy in 1977. Sánchez has previously made concessions to the independence movement, such as granting pardons to nine jailed Catalan leaders in 2021 and reforming the criminal code to remove the crime of sedition. These actions have faced opposition from the government’s critics, but have not had a major impact on Sánchez’s popularity. However, an amnesty is seen as a more substantial gesture, and even figures within Sánchez’s own party have voiced opposition, citing concerns about the proposal’s constitutionality and its potential impact on Spain’s territorial unity. The Prime Minister has carefully avoided using the term “amnesty” directly, instead stating that he intends to be “generous” to the separatists. He has also made it clear that he will not support a secession referendum, which is a key demand of both JxCat and ERC.

Public opinion on the matter is divided, with a recent poll indicating that over 80% of Spaniards are against an amnesty for the separatists, including a similar percentage of Socialist voters. Sánchez will argue that implementing such a controversial measure could improve the atmosphere in Catalonia, where tensions have significantly decreased since the failed secession attempt. Additionally, forming a new coalition government would ensure that the country’s conservatives and the far-right Vox party are kept out of power for another term. However, if Sánchez is unable to secure enough support to form a government, a new election is likely to be held in January.

In conclusion, Pedro Sánchez’s attempt to form a progressive coalition government relies on gaining the support of Catalan nationalist parties, who are demanding an amnesty for separatists involved in the 2017 bid for independence. The proposal of amnesty is highly controversial and faces opposition from both within Sánchez’s own party and the wider population. The outcome of Sánchez’s efforts will have significant implications for the political landscape in Spain and could determine the country’s path forward in relation to Catalonia’s independence aspirations.