Anger Arises as Spain's Sánchez Forms Power Agreement with Catalan Separatists

Spain's acting prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has reached a contentious amnesty agreement with a Catalan separatist party, bringing him closer to securing another four years in government. Sánchez's Socialist Party came in second place in the July general elections, and the winning conservative Popular Party failed to form a majority. In order to secure another term, Sánchez has pledged to pass an amnesty law, which has sparked widespread anger. Right-wing protestors have taken to the streets in Madrid and other cities to voice their opposition to granting amnesty to Catalan politicians and activists tied to the failed 2017 secession attempt. The Popular Party has accused Sánchez of giving a "blank cheque to the independence movement." The atmosphere surrounding the deal has become tense, with a former Catalan leader of the Popular Party and founder of the far-right Vox party being shot and wounded. Sánchez had already made a deal with the pro-independence Catalan Republican Left party, and now an agreement has been reached with the more radical Together for Catalonia party, led by Carles Puigdemont. Puigdemont fled to Brussels to avoid imprisonment after leading the breakaway independence vote six years ago. This agreement is seen as a step towards resolving the historical conflict between Catalonia and Spain. The controversial amnesty law will be presented to parliament soon, and if it passes, an investiture debate and vote will follow next week. The European Commission has requested information about the draft law due to concerns raised by citizens and stakeholders.