Socialists to consult party members over potential agreements with Catalan and Basque parties

Pro-independence groups calling for amnesty and referendum proposals in any deal to support Sánchez for PM

Pedro Sánchez and Salvador Illa meet at the Socialists' headquarters in Madrid
Pedro Sánchez and Salvador Illa meet at the Socialists' headquarters in Madrid / Redacció
Catalan News

Catalan News | @catalannews | Barcelona

October 27, 2023 03:46 PM

October 27, 2023 03:58 PM

The Socialist Party will consult their members over any potential deal reached with Catalan and Basque parties over Pedro Sánchez's bid to become Prime Minister for another term. 

Sánchez is attempting to gather enough support to lead the Spanish government for another legislature but would need the support of Esquerra Republicana, Junts per Catalunya, and others to do so. 

Catalan pro-independence parties have previously said an amnesty law for figures involved in the push to separate from Spain would be a prerequisite to negotiations, while others have cited a self-determination referendum as the price to give their support for Sánchez's bid. 

On Firday, the acting PM announced that any potential agreements with Junts, ERC, EH Bildu or PNB will go to the rank and file for evaluation.

Sánchez also recalled that in 2019 party members were asked about the coalition agreement Podemos.

The date of the consultation is not yet known. 

Sánchez announced that the content of the coalition agreement with Sumar will be put to members, but "unlike what happened in 2019, this time [the Socialist Party] will also ask if members endorse that we obtain parliamentary agreements with the rest of the political parties."

The acting PM indicated that this announcement implies the possibility of reaching agreements with Esquerra and Junts. However, he avoided giving more detail because negotiations are still ongoing.