Demonstration against legal forgiveness for Catalonia's independence advocates
"Please take back this amnesty," implored Alberto Nuñez Feijoo, leader of PP, in an appeal directed at Pedro Sánchez, the socialist head of government. "In a nation where everyone is equal under the law, Spain stands as a constitutional state," he furthered. Jose Maria Aznar and Mariano Rajoy, previous prime ministers from PP, also took part in the protest.
In Rajoy's term, Catalonia held a referendum for independence in 2017, a move previously barred by the courts. Numerous activists were later tried by the Spanish judicial system.
The amnesty bill, which is now being deliberated with Pedro Sánchez's government, could potentially absolve around 400 people from the independence movement, among them Carles Puigdemont, the former regional president of Catalonia. Next Thursday, the Madrid-based Chamber of Deputies is anticipated to pass this legislation with the assistance of Sánchez's majority in government.
The amnesty is a gesture from the Prime Minister towards independence supporters, who have their representation within two parties in the Madrid parliament. Following the elections of 2021, Sánchez needed their support to form his coalition government.
"Step down, Pedro," shouted many protestors during Sunday's gathering. Angel Santana, a Basque region citizen, expressed apprehension that similar consideration might one day be extended to ETA members. ETA, a disbanded Basque separatist group, fought for self-governance for four decades and has been blamed for the deaths of more than 850 individuals.
This amnesty law has stoked discord in Spanish society and triggered fervent demonstrations. Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium after the failed 2017 referendum, disclosed his intent to return to Barcelona to assume a minor leadership position after the Catalonia regional elections in mid-May. However, the pro-independence parties that used to govern Catalonia lost their majority in that election.
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- Independentism activists were displeased with Alberto Nuñez Feijoo's stance on the amnesty bill, as they believed it would exonerate their leader, Carles Puigdemont.
- During the protest on Sunday, echoing the chants of other demonstrators, an activist called for Pedro Sánchez's resignation, comparing the situation to potential amnesty for ETA members.
- The Independence activists view the Amnesty Act as a political maneuver by Madrid, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, aimed at securing their support in parliament.
- Mariano Rajoy and Jose Maria Aznar, former PP leaders, supported Alberto Nuñez Feijoo in his call for the withdrawal of the amnesty bill, emphasizing the importance of justice and upholding the law in Spain.
- Many Catalonians disagree with the amnesty act for independence activists, seeing it as a betrayal of the Spanish constitutional state, and demanded that justice be served.
- The PP, with Alberto Nuñez Feijoo at the helm, criticized the Amnesty Act, asserting that it could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging future breakaway movements in Spain.
- Significant protests against the Amnesty Act for independence advocates have been ongoing in Madrid and Catalonia, with Alberto Nuñez Feijoo, along with other leaders, demonstrating their opposition to the bill.
Source: www.stern.de
