The Socialist prime minister has promised an amnesty for Catalan separatists in exchange for parliamentary support, dividing the country.
Pedro Sanchez won the backing of Spain's parliament for another term as prime minister on Thursday, ending months of political deadlock.
It comes despite divisions in the country over his decision to grant Catalan separatists amnesty in exchange for their crucial support in a vote of confidence.
What is the current political situation in Spain?
Sanchez's Socialist Party (PSOE) finished second in an inconclusive general election in July, but he has reached deals with six smaller parties to ensure the support of 179 lawmakers — three more than the required absolute majority — to reestablish his minority coalition government with the far-left Sumar party.
Among the smaller parties who have lent their support to Sanchez are two key Catalan separatist parties.
In return, Sanchez has agreed to grant amnesty to hundreds of people facing legal action for their role in Catalonia's separatist movement over the past decade.
Among them is Carles Puigdemont, the leader of the regional government of Catalonia when it staged a failed secession bid in 2017, and who then fled to Belgium to avoid prosecution.
Sanchez: 'A united Spain is a better Spain'
Sanchez defended the amnesty on Wednesday at the start of a two-day parliamentary debate, arguing it was needed to "heal the wounds" opened by the wealthy northeastern region's independence push.
"We will guarantee the unity of Spain through dialogue and forgiveness," the 51-year-old insisted.
"In Catalonia and other regions there are citizens who believe that they would be better going their own way. This government believes that a united Spain is a better Spain."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Sanchez on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
"It is good that we can continue to work side by side. We see many challenges in the world from a very similar perspective," he said.
Source: Dw
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