Catalan President Salvador Illa has mounted a robust defence of the divisive amnesty law, declaring that key arguments against it have been proven false and that former president Carles Puigdemont should have already returned from his self-imposed exile in Belgium.

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Speaking in an interview with the ‘Hora 25’ programme on Cadena SER, Illa called for the full and swift implementation of the law, designed to pardon those involved in the Catalan independence movement over the past decade. “I reiterate my sincere wish that he returns and, in fact, I believe he should have returned already,” Illa stated, adding, “I reiterate my request that the amnesty be made effective.”

The amnesty law, a cornerstone of the national government’s pact with Catalan separatist parties, faced fierce opposition. According to Illa, opponents primarily relied on two major arguments: that the law was unconstitutional, and that it would embolden the pro-independence movement. “Today, we know that both were false,” he asserted.

On the legal front, Illa pointed to the recent backing from Spain’s highest judicial bodies. He highlighted that the Constitutional Court of Spain has already confirmed the law’s constitutionality. Furthermore, while a final ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is still pending, its Advocate General has given a preliminary opinion that the law “does not affect European law,” the president noted.

“I would like the amnesty to be effective without further delay,” Illa remarked, urging respect for the legislative power of Spain’s 350 deputies, who were directly elected by citizens.

Illa, while respecting the “independence and impartiality of the Judiciary,” gently pressured judges to apply the law, which has faced implementation hurdles in some courts.

A Changed Political Landscape

Addressing the second major criticism, Illa argued that far from strengthening separatism, the political climate has shifted significantly since the law was conceived. He emphasised a historic change in the makeup of the Parliament of Catalonia following recent elections.

Illa reported, citing Europa Press, that “for the first time in 40 years, there is not a pro-independence majority in the Parliament of Catalonia.” He framed this as a pivotal moment, while also acknowledging the rights of his political opponents. “I say this with all due respect to the independentists, who have every right in the world to defend their project, as long as they respect the framework of justice.”

The current political term for the Generalitat de Catalunya, led by Illa’s Socialist party, is focused on a post-procés era of dialogue and normalisation. However, navigating this new landscape presents challenges. Recent impasses over the Catalan budget and ongoing debates on public safety and language policy exemplify this. For instance, parties like Junts have decried the removal of Catalan from highway signs. These issues underscore the complex, multi-faceted political reality beyond the central question of independence.

Illa’s firm stance aims to close a contentious chapter in Catalan and Spanish politics, positioning the amnesty not as a concession, but as a successful tool for de-escalation that has ultimately weakened, rather than strengthened, the political case for secession.