The Spanish parliament has passed a contentious amnesty law, allowing for the potential pardon of hundreds of individuals involved in Catalonia’s failed bid for independence.
The law, proposed by the Socialist Party of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, aimed to garner support from Catalan separatist parties after inconclusive elections. It has been portrayed by the government as a means to move past the crisis of 2017, when separatist leaders staged an illegal referendum and declared independence.
Despite opposition from Spain’s right-wing parties, the bill secured enough votes for approval, with crucial support from two Catalan separatist parties, Junts and Esquerra Republicana.
Prime Minister Sánchez hailed the decision, emphasizing the power of forgiveness over resentment in politics and life.
The amnesty law would benefit 309 individuals facing prosecution for their roles in the independence bid, including political leaders and 73 police officers charged for their actions during the events. Additionally, it would pave the way for the return of exiled independence leader Carles Puigdemont and the removal of restrictions on former vice president Oriol Junqueras.
Critics, including leaders from the conservative Popular Party and the far-right Vox party, denounced the law as political corruption, alleging a deal between Sanchez’s government and Catalan separatists to maintain power.
The legislation is set to take effect upon publication in the Official State Bulletin, with Justice Minister Felix Bolaños affirming Spain’s commitment to the rule of law and the right of appeal amid planned challenges against the law.
