Madrid: The Catalan separatist party Junts has introduced a measure in Spain’s lower house urging Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to face a motion of confidence. The move intensifies pressure on the fragile minority government, which depends on Junts’ support to pass key legislation.
Junts, which led a controversial push for Catalonia’s independence in 2017, accuses Madrid of neglecting the region and failing to deliver on promised concessions.
“(Sanchez) counted on our votes to become prime minister—let him show his face,” said Carles Puigdemont, Junts’ leader, speaking from self-imposed exile in Belgium. “We’re proposing a question of confidence because those of us who put our trust in him feel that he hasn’t honoured that gesture.”
Confidence Vote vs. No-Confidence Motion
In Spain, only the prime minister can initiate a confidence vote, which requires a simple majority in parliament. This differs from a no-confidence motion, where the opposing party must propose an alternative candidate and secure an absolute majority.
Prime Minister Sanchez, speaking with foreign correspondents in Madrid, dismissed the suggestion. “I have neither intention nor need to submit to a confidence vote,” he said, emphasizing that such votes have only occurred twice since Spain’s transition to democracy in 1978.
Junts’ Growing Influence
Junts’ proposal will be debated in early 2025, with conservative People’s Party and far-right Vox expected to support it, ensuring its passage. However, as the vote is non-binding, Sanchez may choose to disregard the parliamentary demand.
Also Read | US Supreme Court Declines to Hear Boston School Admissions Case
Puigdemont warned that if the prime minister ignores the call for a confidence vote, Junts would withdraw all parliamentary support. The party’s backing is essential for approving Spain’s 2025 budget, which the government has yet to present amid competing demands from coalition partners and other allies.
Spain has already extended its 2023 budget into 2024, a measure that could continue into 2025 if the standoff persists.
