The Spanish government remains optimistic that the ongoing disagreements between Junts per Catalunya (Junts) and the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) can be resolved. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s office and Justice Minister Félix Bolaños have emphasized that the government possesses the capability to overcome these differences. “We have the ability to address these disputes, and we will do so in collaboration with Junts and other political forces,” Bolaños stated.
This assurance comes amid Junts’ decision to suspend sectoral negotiations with PSOE, though the party has not entirely closed the door on dialogue. Junts leader Carles Puigdemont has warned of a potential breakdown in communication but has yet to take any definitive action. Puigdemont has called for an urgent meeting in Switzerland, where an international mediator could determine the specifics of the agreements between the two parties and identify where shortcomings may have occurred.
The government has reiterated its commitment to continuing negotiations with Junts and ensuring the implementation of existing agreements. In November 2023, PSOE and Junts reached a deal in Brussels to establish an international mechanism aimed at overseeing negotiations and agreements. This mechanism involves monthly meetings in Geneva, mediated by Salvadoran diplomat Francisco Galindo Vélez, who is tasked with assessing whether any agreements have been breached and determining the necessary corrective measures.
Minister Bolaños acknowledged Junts’ concerns and assured that the government is proceeding cautiously. “When we make agreements, we fulfill them. Some agreements with Junts have already been published in the official gazette, others are in the implementation phase, and some are still under negotiation,” he said. He emphasized that the government’s approach remains rooted in dialogue, agreement, and the pursuit of shared solutions.
The government has also signaled its intent to restore relations with Junts. Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Function Óscar López stated, “This government has demonstrated its ability to understand and resolve the complexities of the Spanish Parliament. We have achieved this through negotiations, hard work, and effort.”
A key point of contention between the two parties revolves around the transfer of immigration powers to Catalonia. While Junts has not suspended negotiations on this issue, it remains a significant source of tension. Both sides have been negotiating for months, with a commitment to reach an agreement by December 31. However, several obstacles persist. Junts insists that Catalonia’s police force, Mossos d’Esquadra, be granted full authority over ports and airports, while the government is willing to allow Mossos to operate alongside the National Police and Civil Guard but stops short of granting full control.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska noted that “significant progress” has been made but ruled out granting Mossos complete authority. The Interior Ministry is prepared to transfer powers related to immigration assistance and migrant care to Catalonia but remains firm on maintaining state control over border security and the deportation of foreign nationals.
Grande-Marlaska clarified that “border control” is a constitutional prerogative of state security forces. He affirmed the government’s commitment to granting Catalonia immigration powers while adhering to constitutional limits.
Despite the ongoing tensions, negotiations between the two parties continue, and the government has pledged to make every effort to restore relations with Junts. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the two sides can bridge their differences and move forward collaboratively.
