Arr, Spain's Sánchez be defendin' a perilous amnesty pact forged wit' them Catalan secessionist scallywags.
2023-11-15
Arrr! Spain's landlubber, Pedro Sánchez, be defendin' his amnesty pact with them Catalan scoundrels. As the Iberian land be settlin' to forge a new governin' crew, this left-wing Prime Minister stands strong, hopin' to sail through the rough seas of politics!
Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended his controversial amnesty deal for Catalonia's separatists in parliament before seeking the endorsement of the chamber to form a new government. Sánchez has the support of six smaller parties to ensure he can reach the absolute majority of 176 deputies needed to reestablish his minority coalition government. The formation of a new government would end a period of political uncertainty since inconclusive national elections on July 23. The center-right Popular Party received the most votes in the elections but failed to get enough support to form a government in September because of its alliances with the far-right Vox party. The Socialists finished second in the elections but now have the support of 179 lawmakers in all. Controversy has erupted over the amnesty deals the Socialists signed with two key Catalan separatist parties, which include a commitment to pass an amnesty law that would wipe the slate clean for hundreds of Catalan separatists. The amnesty would benefit former Catalan regional president Carles Puigdemont, who is a fugitive from Spanish law. Sánchez defended the amnesty, saying it would promote a climate of living together in harmony and forgiveness. Spain's judges and the European Union have criticized the proposed amnesty, and protests have broken out in Madrid and Barcelona. Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Vox leader Santiago Abascal vowed to block the bill.