The Spanish Congress is set to approve a contentious amnesty law for Catalan separatists on Tuesday.
This law, crucial for the re-election of Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, faces opposition and legal challenges.
The amnesty, demanded by separatist parties, aims to dismiss charges against those involved in Catalonia’s 2017 secession attempt.
Carles Puigdemont, the regional president during the secession, stands to benefit most.
He could return to Spain from Belgium, where he has been avoiding Spanish justice for over six years.
The voting session, starting at 14:00 GMT, is likely to pass with the support of 178 out of 350 deputies, including socialists, far-left, and regional party members.
However, the law’s journey doesn’t end there. The conservative Popular Party (PP), the primary opposition, plans to slow its progress in the Senate, where they have a majority.
Adjustments to Senate rules and requests for additional reports on the bill will necessitate a second approval from the Congress of Deputies.
PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has accused the government of trading “impunity for power.”
He expressed this at a Madrid protest against the amnesty, attended by 45,000 people. Judicial challenges also loom over the law.
A Barcelona court is investigating Puigdemont’s possible Russian ties, which could lead to a “treason” charge not covered by the amnesty.
Another legal front involves Tsunami Democrático, an organization linked to 2019 protests against severe sentences for separatist leaders.
Judge Manuel García Castellón suspects Puigdemont of “terrorism” in relation to this group.
Protect separatists accused of terrorism
In a recent move, socialists and separatists agreed to amend the amnesty law.
It would protect separatists accused of terrorism unless they committed “serious human rights violations.”
The judge responded by highlighting a police officer’s injury during the 2019 riots, aiming to bypass the amendment.
This proposed law marks a significant moment in Spain’s political scene. It addresses the longstanding issue of Catalonia’s independence movement.
The law’s progression through legislative and judicial avenues highlights the complex balance between national unity and regional autonomy.
It underscores the delicate interplay of justice and political negotiation in managing separatist movements.