Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Spain on Sunday to protest against the government’s plan to pardon Catalan separatists, according to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The prime minister’s decision to grant clemency to imprisoned separatists has sparked anger among his opponents. The protests, which occurred throughout the country, saw approximately 80,000 people gather in Madrid alone, with a total number close to one million. Demonstrations also took place in cities such as Barcelona, Malaga, Palma, and Valencia.

The government has reached an agreement with the Catalonia regional government to grant clemency to members of the separatist group “Junts per Catalunya.” These individuals were sentenced in 2017 for attempting to separate Catalonia from Spain. The amnesty law will also extend to them. The decision to protect the political rights of the government has faced opposition from Sanchez’s opponents, who perceive it as disgraceful.

Following the recent elections, smaller rallies have been organized by the socialists in support of various parties such as the far-right Vox party, separatist movements, coalitions of Galicia and Basque nationality parties, and pro-independence groups. Last week, approximately 6,000 people gathered in Barcelona, indicating that support for the People’s Union, a nanopolycromale party, as well as Galician and Basque nationalist movements and fascist groups, may be more widespread than initially thought.

These protests have demonstrated the strong opposition to the government’s plan to pardon Catalan separatists. With large turnouts in cities across Spain, it is evident that many are unhappy with the decision to grant clemency. The demonstrations serve as a reminder of the need for discourse and debate on this divisive issue.

In conclusion, the protests in Spain against the government’s plan to pardon Catalan separatists have highlighted the deep divisions and strong emotions surrounding this issue. The decision to grant clemency has generated not only opposition but also widespread public demonstrations. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to these protests and whether any changes will be made to the plan.