Spain’s Parliament Approves Pedro Sanchez for Another Term, Ending Months of Uncertainty
Pedro Sanchez has secured another term as the Prime Minister of Spain after a prolonged deadlock following the inconclusive July general election. His Socialist Party gained support through separate agreements with regional parties, including a controversial amnesty bill for Catalan separatists. Despite protests and opposition, Sanchez received 179 votes in favor and 171 against in Parliament.
This marks a significant turnaround for Sanchez, who faced a potential ousting just six months ago. The conservative People’s Party won the most seats in the election but couldn’t gather enough support for its candidate, Alberto Nunez Feijoo. The decision was congratulated by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The contentious amnesty bill, seeking exoneration for those involved in Catalonia’s 2017 separation attempt, has sparked protests. Outside Parliament, around 400 protesters expressed their dissent. The European People’s Party raised concerns about the bill’s potential impact on judicial independence in Spain.
Despite Sanchez’s victory, challenges lie ahead as he continues to rely on regional party support for key legislation. While the deals ensure legislative “stability,” there’s no formal budget support agreement, leaving negotiations open-ended. This development will be closely watched as Spain navigates its political landscape. (Source: Reuters)
Featured Image Credit: Bloomberg.com