Spain's Constitutional Court Affirms Amnesty for Catalan Separatists

Spain's Constitutional Court has upheld significant components of a contentious amnesty law aimed at Catalan separatists who were involved in the failed independence bid of 2017. The law has resulted in the pardoning of over 300 individuals linked to the Catalan independence movement.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed that this ruling is a positive development for Spain, emphasizing that the amnesty aims to reinforce national unity, promote development, and foster coexistence among citizens and regions.

The Socialist Party, led by Sanchez, reached an agreement in 2023 with two Catalan separatist parties regarding the amnesty, which played a crucial role in securing their support during a pivotal parliamentary vote. This vote was essential for Sanchez to maintain his position as prime minister following a hung parliament.

Although the amnesty law was narrowly passed in the previous year, it has faced fierce opposition from conservative factions, who argue that the legislation is unconstitutional. They assert that the law was primarily a strategic move by the Socialist Party to ensure political longevity.

In a recent decision, the Constitutional Court voted six to four to reject the majority of the opposition's appeal against the law's constitutionality. The court stated that while amnesty is not prohibited under the Constitution, it must address exceptional circumstances and serve a legitimate public interest to be constitutionally permissible.

This ruling provides a measure of relief to Sanchez and his party, especially amid ongoing corruption allegations involving high-ranking officials within the Socialist Party.

Despite the ruling, the former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont does not benefit from the amnesty. Puigdemont, who is currently living in self-imposed exile in Belgium to evade prosecution, faces additional legal challenges, including allegations of embezzlement related to the diversion of funds for the 2017 referendum. He contests these charges, claiming the funds were not for personal gain.

The court confirmed that the amnesty does not extend to Puigdemont due to these ongoing legal issues, further complicating his situation. The Constitutional Court is expected to address his appeal later this year or in the following year.

Puigdemont was at the helm of Catalonia's government during the region's unilateral declaration of independence in 2017, a move that incited a significant political crisis in Spain, leading to direct control imposed by the central government.