The European Commission has requested “detailed information” from the Spanish Government on a proposed law that would pardon Catalan separists, according to a letter seen by French news agency AFP.
In the letter, addressed to two Spanish ministers, Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders voiced “serious concerns” about the ongoing discussions a possible amnesty bill.
He said that, while no formal proposal currently existed, the issue had garnered immense public debate and the Commission had been contacted about it by a large number of citizens.
Bill hugely unpopular with right-wing opposition
Reynders called on the Minister of the Presidency, Felix Bolaños, and Justice Minister Pilar Llop to provide more “detailed information” about the exact scope of the proposed law.
The bill, proposed by outgoing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, aims to pardon Catalan separatists pursued by Spain’s justice authorities, especially personalities involved in the failed attempt at Catalonia’s secession in 2017.
It is hugely unpopular with Spain’s right-wing opposition and a section of the judiciary.
Outgoing Prime Minister needs support of separatist legislators
On the other hand, it is anticipated to secure the support of legislators from Catalan separatist parties for the socialist Prime Minister. Sanchez, who came second in the legislative elections on 21 July, needs that support to stay in power.
Responding to Commissioner Reynders, Bolaños said the current Spanish Government was only handling ongoing affairs. Such an amnesty bill could therefore only come from parliamentarians, not from the Council of Ministers, he said in a letter seen by AFP.
Sanchez’s interim government is expected to remain in office until Spain overcomes its political deadlock.
Bolaños said that, should an amnesty bill be proposed, the government would provide both Reynders and Vice-President Vera Jourova with a full explanation of its details, along with the government’s stance on the issue.
Madrid says it is committed to resolving Catalan crisis
Bolaños said further the government was committed to permanently resolving the severe institutional, political, and social crisis faced by Catalonia.
The European Commission also expressed its regret over the “lack of progress” in renewing a key body responsible for appointing the majority of Spain’s judges, the General Council of the Judiciary.
The renewal of its members has been at a halt since 2018 due to disagreement between the government and the opposition. Reynders urged the government to address this matter “without delay.”
In response, Bolaños directed the Commissioner towards the right-wing Popular Party (PP), which he said was solely responsible for the deadlock. He asked Reynders to encourage the PP to finally comply with Spain’s Constitution.
