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"In
the interest of Spain, in defense of coexistence among
Spaniards, I defend today the amnesty in Catalonia for the
events of the past decade," Sanchez said during a meeting of the
Socialist Party's Federal Committee in Madrid.
The announcement was met with applause and a standing ovation
from those present.
Sanchez, who is trying to form a coalition government three
months after an inconclusive election, agreed a coalition deal
with the left-wing Sumar this week, but support from that
party's 31 lower-house lawmakers is not enough to secure the
premiership.
He needs the backing of Catalan separatist parties, Esquerra
Republicana de Catalunya [ERC] and Junts, who have demanded an
amnesty law that could potentially cover more than 1,400 people
involved in the failed independence bid.
They have said their support also depends on another
independence referendum.
"To continue moving forward, we must overcome all the episodes
that in the past divided us and fractured our societies,"
Sanchez said.
He said his party "looks at the problems head on", adding 80% of
Catalans supported an agreement on the issue.
The potential amnesty has unleashed a political storm in Spain,
with mainly conservative opponents holding large protests and
accusing Sanchez of jeopardizing the rule of law for his own
political gain.
A poll in September showed 70% of respondents - 59% of them
socialist supporters - were against an amnesty.
(Reporting by Jessica Jones; Editing by Mike Harrison)
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