Catalan Party Set to Pull Support from Spanish Government

Catalonia's regional party, Junts, is considering ending its backing for Spain's leftist government. This decision, if approved by party members, would make it harder for the government to pass laws. Junts has been a key ally, providing crucial votes in exchange for favors. Over the past two years, Junts has supported the government on a case-by-case basis. The government, with only 146 seats in the 350-member house, has relied on small regional parties like Junts to get its laws approved. However, Junts' leader, Carles Puigdemont, recently criticized the government for not keeping its promises. Puigdemont, who is in self-imposed exile, led a failed independence bid in 2017. In November 2023, Junts supported the current prime minister in exchange for an amnesty for officials involved in the secession attempt. But the Spanish Supreme Court has ruled that the amnesty does not apply to Puigdemont and others charged with embezzlement. Junts is also upset about the government's failure to pass a bill transferring immigration control to Catalonia. They also feel the government has not done enough to promote Catalan as an official language in the European Union. It is still unclear if Junts will support a no-confidence motion against the prime minister. Such a move would align them with conservative and far-right parties, who strongly oppose Catalonia's self-determination.