Spain’s Constitutional Court Upholds Controversial Amnesty Law for Catalan Separatists

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Madrid — Spain’s Constitutional Court on Thursday upheld key provisions of a contentious amnesty law passed by the Socialist government, clearing the way for more than 300 individuals involved in Catalonia’s failed 2017 independence bid to be pardoned.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez welcomed the court’s decision as “magnificent news for Spain,” speaking from Brussels. He reaffirmed his belief that the amnesty promotes national unity, prosperity, and peaceful coexistence between Spain’s citizens and autonomous regions.

The ruling provides political breathing room for Sánchez’s minority government, which has faced recent corruption scandals involving senior Socialist Party officials. The amnesty law was a central part of a 2023 political deal struck between Sánchez’s Socialist Party and two Catalan separatist parties, ensuring their support in a parliamentary vote that allowed Sánchez to remain in power.

In its decision, the court stated that “amnesty is not banned by the Constitution, and its adoption, when it responds to an exceptional situation and a legitimate public interest, may be constitutionally admissible.” A majority of the judges on the court were nominated by the Socialist Party.

Conservative opposition leaders had challenged the law, calling it unconstitutional and accusing the Socialists of using it as a political tool to cling to power. The appeal was filed by the conservative People's Party, which has long opposed any concessions to Catalan separatists.

The ruling does not immediately impact former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, who remains in self-imposed exile in Belgium. Puigdemont, who led the 2017 secession attempt, is currently facing charges including embezzlement, which the judge presiding over his case says disqualifies him from receiving amnesty under the current law. Puigdemont has denied the accusations and is appealing the judge’s ruling.

A final decision on Puigdemont’s case is not expected from the Constitutional Court until late this year or 2026, according to court officials.

In 2017, Puigdemont spearheaded a unilateral declaration of independence following a referendum deemed illegal by Spanish courts. The move triggered a constitutional crisis, leading the Spanish government to impose direct rule over Catalonia.