Catalonian party withdraws support for Spanish government
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Catalonia's Junts party has withdrawn support from Pedro Sanchez’s Spain coalition government, citing unmet political agreements and Catalan demands.
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Team members hold a Catalan pro-independence Estelada flag during the 28th edition of the 'human towers' competition at the Tarraco arena in Tarragona on October 2, 2022 (Josep Lago/AFP via Getty Images)
Catalonia's Junts party has withdrawn its support for Spain’s coalition government, casting uncertainty over the stability of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s administration.
The decision, announced Monday by Junts leader Carles Puigdemont, follows what the party described as repeated failures by the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) to honor political agreements made during the government formation in November 2023.
Speaking during a press conference, Puigdemont said Junts would now move into the opposition. The party holds seven seats in Spain’s parliament and had previously played a key role in allowing Sanchez’s minority government to function.
"The Spanish government will not be able to resort to the investiture majority. It will have neither the budget nor the capacity to govern," Puigdemont said.
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Puigdemont criticizes unmet political commitments
Junts cited several unfulfilled promises, including the failure to secure official recognition of the Catalan language in the European Union, delays in the pending amnesty for Puigdemont, and the rejection of a proposal in Congress to transfer immigration powers to Catalonia.
Puigdemont stressed that Junts will not support “any government that does not help Catalonia,” signaling a firm shift in the party’s position.
Junts launched an internal consultation process to finalize its position. The vote began Wednesday at 10:00 am local time and will run until Thursday at 6:00 pm, with results expected to solidify the party’s stance.
Despite the pending consultation, Puigdemont’s comments made clear that the party is preparing to formally end its cooperation with the government.
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Implications for Pedro Sanchez’s minority rule
Spain's coalition government, led by Sanchez, has relied on external support from regional parties like Junts to pass legislation and maintain a governing majority. With Junts stepping back, Sanchez may face significant challenges in advancing his legislative agenda.
Political analysts suggest the withdrawal could trigger increased instability or even new elections, depending on whether the PSOE can secure alternative backing.
