Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez calls early election for July 23
Al JazeeraJun 04, 2023
Spanish PM Faces Criticism Over Amnesty for Separatists
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Image copyright: Ethan Swope/Getty Images [via Getty Images]
The Facts
Far-right activists have reportedly branded acting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez a traitor over his support for an amnesty for Catalan separatists who attempted to secede from Spain in 2017.
On Saturday, Sánchez had said that a "total reunion" was overdue in Catalonia, as the country's divisions had been lessened by the pardon of high-ranking separatists' in 2021.
The Spin
Right narrative
Sánchez isn't negotiating this amnesty in the name of Spain but with the aim of remaining in power. By making a pact with pro-independence Catalans, who have been charged with sedition for their roles in the illegal October 2017 referendum, Sánchez will break the country. Spaniards must protest against the proposal that intends to allow traitors to join the government.
Left narrative
While Sánchez is pushing for amnesty in the name of Spain, he is also doing so in the interest of Spain. Pardoning the separatists is the right thing to do, as it will bridge the gap between Catalonia and the rest of the country, bringing unity to the nation. The central government must break the political deadlock and bury the contentious issue forever by passing an amnesty law.
