Spain Rocked by Protests Over Sanchez's Amnesty Deal with Catalan Separatists

Opposition Demands New Elections as Sanchez Expected to Retain Power Despite Controversy

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has struck a deal with Catalan separatists, offering amnesty to those involved in the failed 2017 independence bid, in exchange for their support to form a new government.
The deal has sparked widespread protests across Spain, with tens of thousands of people participating in rallies in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, and Seville.
Opposition conservatives, led by the People's Party (PP), are demanding new elections, accusing Sanchez of betraying democracy and coexistence for his own political gain.
The amnesty deal, which needs to be approved by Spain's parliament, could benefit former Catalan regional president Carles Puigdemont, who has been living in exile since the 2017 independence bid.
Despite the protests, Sanchez is expected to retain power and form a new government, with a parliamentary vote due to take place in the coming days.