Catalan Party Set to Pull Support from Spanish Government

Key Points:

• Junts, a regional party in Catalonia, is considering ending its support for Spain's leftist government.
• This decision could make it harder for the government to pass laws.
• Junts has been a crucial ally, providing votes in exchange for favors.

Background

• Over the past two years, Junts has supported the government on a case-by-case basis.
• The government, with only 146 seats in the 350-member house, relies on small regional parties like Junts to pass laws.

Reasons for Potential Withdrawal

• Criticism from Junts' Leader: Carles Puigdemont, who is in self-imposed exile, has criticized the government for not keeping its promises.
• Amnesty Issues: In November 2023, Junts supported the current prime minister in exchange for an amnesty for officials involved in the 2017 secession attempt. However, the Spanish Supreme Court ruled that the amnesty does not apply to Puigdemont and others charged with embezzlement.
• Immigration Control: Junts is upset about the government's failure to pass a bill transferring immigration control to Catalonia.
• Language Promotion: They also feel the government has not done enough to promote Catalan as an official language in the European Union.

Potential Consequences

• It is unclear if Junts will support a no-confidence motion against the prime minister.
• Such a move would align them with conservative and far-right parties, who strongly oppose Catalonia's self-determination.