Members of Catalan pro-independence party ERC approve deal with Socialists with 89% in favor
Left-wing party will back Pedro Sánchez's PM bid after breakthrough deal
Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) members have endorsed the agreement signed on Thursday with the Socialists, with 89% of the votes in favor, according to the party.
The deal includes the future amnesty law, the transfer of Rodalies commuter rail control and the forgiveness of €15 billion of debt, among other measures.
The agreement was sealed on Thursday by ERC president Oriol Junqueras and Socialist presidency minister Félix Bolaños, and was validated by party members on Friday.
As a result, Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez has secured the votes from ERC in his bid to be reelected as prime minister.
The question that ERC posed to party members read: "Do you agree that ERC should back Pedro Sánchez's prime minister bid in exchange for an amnesty bill, addressing the referendum, the complete transfer of Rodalies and economic commitments to reduce the fiscal deficit?"
The results of the vote showed 89% in favor, 9% against and 2% blank. Around 43% of the members eligible to vote have done so.
The Socialists have also been in negotiations with pro-independence Junts this week, including meetings with former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont.
Sánchez needs the votes of both parties to avoid another election.