Spain As a Country - Catalan separatists receive amnesty, taking effect.
The divisive amnesty for Catalan secessionists has been enacted. The "Law for Catalonia's Institutional, Political, and Social Normalization" has been published in the Spanish government's official bulletin.
This implies that those who have escaped abroad to avoid Spanish criminal charges, including former regional leader Carles Puigdemont, can expect to go back without the fear of being detained. Be that as it may, the justices have to first drop the arrest warrants, which could require some time. The approval of the amnesty law in parliament in late May followed heated discussions and numerous votes in both houses.
Promised by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to the "Catalanists," the amnesty and additional indulgences were aimed at gaining the votes of two separatist parties to ensure his re-election in November. Both the liberal Junts party, led by separatist leader Puigdemont, and the leftist ERC are still pushing for the secession of Catalonia from Spain. Sánchez intends to prevent this and fix the problem through dialogue.
"National Disgrace"
The amnesty proposals have generated fury in Spain's fourth-largest EU economy over recent months. Large-scale demonstrations took place with multiple protesters. The opposition leader of the conservative People's Party PP, Alberto Núñez Feijoo, referred to the measure as a "national disgrace" and "international disgrace." Sánchez retaliated by accusing him of political "corruption" for allegedly acquiring his re-election using the amnesty.
The amnesty encompasses all individuals engaged in legal difficulties since 2012 due to their secessionist strivings. A few crimes, such as terrorism, are not included. Among the more than 400 individuals to benefit are Puigdemont and his followers, whose actions triggered turmoil in Catalonia following an unlawful independence referendum and a statement of independence from Spain in the autumn of 2017. The central government subsequently placed the region under direct rule. Puigdemont and a few of his aides have been residing in exile in Belgium since then.
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The amnesty applies to Catalan separatists like Carles Puigdemont, who have been living in exile to avoid Spanish criminal charges. The approval of the amnesty law allowed many individuals, including Puigdemont's followers, to return to Spain without the fear of arrest.
The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, promised the amnesty to gain separatist party votes for his re-election. Despite this, the sanctioned secessionists, such as Puigdemont's Junts party and the ERC, continue to advocate for Catalonia's independence from Spain.
Since the amnesty was announced, there have been protests against it in Spain's fourth-largest EU economy, with opposition leaders like Alberto Núñez Feijoo of the conservative People's Party calling it a "national disgrace." As a response, Sanchez accused Feijoo of using the amnesty to gain political advantages for his re-election.
Those who benefited from the amnesty include individuals involved in secessionist activities since 2012, excluding crimes like terrorism. Among them are Puigdemont and his aides, who fled to Belgium following the unlawful independence referendum and Spain's direct rule over Catalonia.
Some opponents argue that granting amnesty undermines Spain's justice system and sets a dangerous precedent, as other criminal groups might seek similar pardons. However, others believe that the amnesty is a step towards reconciliation and resolving the long-standing conflict in Catalonia.
If Puigdemont and his followers choose to return to Spain, they will encounter governments that remain fiercely opposed to Catalan independence. The Spanish government has already reduced Catalonia's autonomy and may enforce further penalties against secessionist activities.
To quell the conflict and prevent another separatist movement, both sides must engage in open dialogue and collaborate to find a peaceful solution. Promises of amnesty, however popular, should not overshadow the need for rebuking actions that violate Spain's democratic principles and constitutional laws.
