The Congress approves amnesty law for Catalan separatists

The Spanish Congress definitively approved the amnesty law that will benefit the Catalan independence supporters prosecuted for the self-determination process in Catalonia. This decision, which has sparked intense political and social debate, was supported by 177 votes in favor from the left-wing coalition government parties and their allies, against 172 votes against from the right-wing opposition. This law, aimed at normalizing the political and social situation in Catalonia, was negotiated by the Socialist party (PSOE) of the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, with independence parties such as the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) and Junts. Its entry into force is scheduled for the coming days, once it is published in the official bulletin, and from then on judges will have two months to apply it in each judicial process related to Catalan independence. The approval of this law was met with applause by the left-wing parties in the Spanish coalition government, as well as by the parties supporting it in Congress. However, the opposition led by the conservative Alberto Núñez Feijóo lamented the decision, calling it "a bad day for Spanish democracy." The political confrontation over this law has become evident, with the conservative majority in the Senate previously vetoing the proposal. The conservative leader warned of possible legal disputes, pointing out that the repeal of the law could depend on judicial decisions in Spain or even at the European level. In this context, the Attorney General of the State in Spain, Álvaro García Ortiz, has begun coordinating with the prosecutors in charge of the processes that could be affected by the amnesty. The goal is to establish clear criteria and avoid divergent interpretations in the application of the law. The approval of the law triggered a confrontation between Vox and Sumar deputies, with exchanges of insults and disqualifications that briefly suspended the debate. On the other hand, Junts and ERC have indicated that their next step will be to promote a self-determination referendum in Catalonia following the approval of the amnesty law. This regulation, which eliminates criminal, administrative, and accounting responsibilities related to the Catalan independence process from November 2011 to November 2023, excludes offenses classified as terrorism according to European legislation. In this regard, political figures such as Carles Puigdemont, former President of the Catalan government and currently a fugitive from Spanish justice, could benefit from this law. In summary, the approval of the amnesty law in the Spanish Congress has sparked intense political and social debate, with possible legal implications and a scenario of increased polarization among the different parties. The impact of this measure on political stability and the future of Catalonia is yet to be seen, while tensions persist and prospects for new challenges in the political and judicial landscape in both Spain and the Catalan region remain.