Washington, 17 November 2023 (TDI): The Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has welcomed the new government that has been formulated in Spain. He also appreciates the democratic process and its credibility.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez achieved a second term on Thursday. As his divisive amnesty deal with Catalan separatists started, he faced the strongest criticism he has faced since taking power in 2018.
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken shared a statement that a peaceful transition of power through democratic means is a testament to the strength of Spain’s democratic institutions.
The United States expressed optimism about the prospect of continued collaboration and cooperation between the two nations. Both have reinforced the upholding of democratic principles on the global stage.
We welcome the news that Spain has formed a new government, a process rooted in its democratic system. President @sanchezcastejon, we look forward to further strengthening the enduring bond between the United States and Spain — our indispensable Ally, valued partner, and friend.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) November 17, 2023
The majority of members in Spain’s Congress of Deputies supported Sanchez’s investiture, including separatists who insisted on amnesty for the leaders and supporters of an unlawful Catalan bid for independence in exchange for their backing.
After his victory, he told lawmakers, “He thanked all of them in four languages: Catalan, Basque, and Galician, as well as Spanish, a nod to all the regional parties that got him across the line. In this regard, the majority of the Spanish population opposed the amnesty.
Before that, facing street protests, a conservative backlash, and opposition from businesses, judges, and traditionalists within his own Socialist party, Sanchez informed the parliament the day before that he was “turning necessity into a virtue.”
Additionally, Sanchez secured 179 votes in his favor, while 171 MPs voted against him. Alberto Nuñez Feijóo, head of the opposition People’s Party (PP), conveyed to Sánchez after his victory, “This was an error, and he bears responsibility for what he has just done.”
