A crucial meeting has taken place in Brussels to restore relations between Spain’s ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) and the Catalan pro-independence party Junts. The meeting comes after Junts President Carles Puigdemont announced the suspension of “sectoral negotiations” last Friday. PSOE negotiator Santos Cerdán has arrived in Brussels, where he is set to meet Puigdemont at the latter’s residence in Waterloo. Notably, the talks are being held in Brussels instead of Switzerland, where previous negotiations had taken place under the presence of an international mediator.
The meeting occurs at a delicate juncture in the relationship between the two parties. PSOE is attempting to persuade Junts to return to the agreements made last year, which included a significant financial package deal. That agreement was finalized after last-minute negotiations via video conference between Spanish Finance Minister María Jesús Montero and Puigdemont.
Several ongoing negotiations between PSOE and Junts remain unresolved, including the transfer of immigration powers to Catalonia’s regional government, the Generalitat. However, Junts has accused PSOE of failing to fulfill its commitments and insists on progress in other areas before engaging in budget negotiations. Junts’ support is critical for the Spanish government, particularly in situations where the ruling coalition lacks sufficient votes, such as in the upcoming congressional session. Without Junts’ backing, the government risks losing key votes.
Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría avoided confirming the specifics of the meeting but emphasized that discussions about negotiations typically follow the conclusion of agreements. Justice Minister Félix Bolaños highlighted that Junts’ support is essential for passing measures such as pension increases for 12 million citizens, subsidies for public transport, stabilizing the minimum wage, and providing aid to electric companies.
This meeting represents a significant effort to mend relations between the two parties, with the outcomes eagerly awaited by both sides. The results could have far-reaching implications for Spain’s political landscape and its ability to address pressing economic and social issues.
