Junts Breaks Ties with PSOE Following Membership Vote

In a significant political development in Catalonia, the membership of Junts has decisively ratified a leadership agreement to break ties with the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). The internal consultation, conducted over Wednesday and Thursday, saw 8,698 members voting in favor of the leadership's proposal to end the investiture agreement with the PSOE, citing repeated failures to fulfill commitments to Catalonia. The vote demonstrated a clear majority, with 1,022 against the agreement and 28 votes cast blank, representing a turnout of 6,629 members. The question posed to Julnt's base was straightforward: 'Do you agree with the national leadership's proposal to end the investiture agreement with the PSOE given their repeated failures to meet their commitments?' Carles Puigdemont, the leader of Junts, reaffirmed the party's decision during a press conference following a meeting held in Perpignan, France. He expressed deep frustration over the Government's lack of commitment to Catalonian issues, emphasizing that the agreement made back in Brussels with the socialists at the start of the current legislature in 2023 has not been honored. Puigdemont stated, 'We are almost halfway through the legislature, and what has not been fulfilled, we doubt will be done in a week. There is no trust on a political level, which is what matters, although there may be on a personal level.' He stressed that Junts would not continue to support a government that fails to assist Catalonia. In light of the ratification, Puigdemont warned any considerations of a potential instrumental motion of censure, declaring that if the break is indeed confirmed, the Government may occupy seats but will not be able to govern effectively. Addressing the uncertainties ahead, he stated, 'Now is the time to fulfill this threat.' In contrast, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded to the situation by acknowledging Junts' longstanding opposition but reaffirmed his intent to maintain dialogue and reach agreements with the party. 'We continue to extend a hand for dialogue and understanding,' Sánchez noted during the Senate's Koldo case commission, where he addressed Junts' spokespersons directly. The legislative atmosphere remains tumultuous, characterized by challenging parliamentary dynamics and significant obstacles that have hindered the government's ability to advance its projects. As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on how these developments affect upcoming legislation, with speculation growing around potential fallout, including the upcoming budget proposal. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2