Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez Reelected Through Controversial Amnesty Deal

Sánchez's gamble with Catalan separatists polarizes Spain and puts his political credibility at risk.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has secured his reelection by negotiating a controversial amnesty for Catalan separatists involved in the failed 2017 independence bid, including the region's fugitive former president, Carles Puigdemont.
The amnesty, which was a condition for the support of two Catalan separatist groups, has been met with criticism and is seen as a risky political move that could further polarize Spain and undermine Sánchez's political credibility.
Sánchez's new government will be a minority leftist coalition with the anti-austerity Sumar party, relying on the constant support of Puigdemont’s Junts party, its rival Catalan separatist party Republic Left of Catalonia, and two Basque parties.
The Catalan parties have warned that they want more than an amnesty, with their ultimate goal being a binding referendum on independence for Catalonia, a concept largely rejected by Spaniards and even many Catalonians.
Despite the challenges, analysts suggest that Sánchez's government has the potential to last, as it is difficult to topple a Spanish government through a parliamentary maneuver, and Sánchez has the option to call a snap election if he sees an opportunity for the Socialists to win more seats.