Antoni Bassas' analysis: 'Sánchez, desperate with Junts'

Things are still happening that have never happened before. Pedro Sánchez is so desperate for Junts' votes that the Spanish Prime Minister has requested interviews with two Catalan media outlets: at 8:30 a.m. on Jordi Basté's program on RAC1 and at 9:00 a.m. on Gemma Nierga's program on TVE. Although the TVE interview was broadcast simultaneously throughout Spain, Sánchez began with these words: "I want viewers in Catalonia to be very aware..."

Both interviews were orchestrated to send a single message to Junts, which can be summed up in one word: "Come back." Sánchez approached Junts with an olive branch. Come back, and we will publish the fiscal balances or something similar (he spoke of "fiscal relations" because transparency is good), we will make progress on the recognition of Catalan national identity, on self-government, on the use of Catalan in Europe, on funding, on amnesty. He said: "I take responsibility for the breaches and delays" with Junts.

Therefore, listen to the answer when Gemma Nierga asked him if he believes he can still repair the relationship with Junts.

"Do you see yourself as capable of rebuilding that relationship with Junts?"

"Nothing of importance remains regarding the political crisis we have with Junts per Catalunya."

"Excuse me, has this been downplayed? I mean, at first they minimized the importance of this rejection by Junts?"

"It has been perceived that way, in this case by Junts per Catalunya; I regret it very much because it is not true."

We have always taken into account the approach taken by all parliamentary groups, particularly Junts per Catalunya, when we discuss the roadmap for this legislature. But I believe we are facing a historic opportunity. A historic opportunity to successfully complete the amnesty law. This is what we in the government hope for, because we have always defended its constitutionality, and therefore the normalization and full restoration of the political rights of the leaders of the Catalan independence movement.

What we want is to open a dialogue that will require a great deal of effort and generosity from everyone involved, in order to resolve the underlying political conflict. And I believe this historic opportunity is worthwhile, and that is why, even though all bridges are burned today, even though the channels of dialogue are completely broken, the Spanish government will not give up on fulfilling this roadmap, these commitments, and on extending a hand to Junts per Catalunya.

"I'm very sorry that Junts might think we've downplayed their breakup."

Sánchez wants to restore the relationship with Junts, but if he has nothing concrete to offer, why is he now asking for reconciliation?

First, because he's still using force: this is a historic opportunity. You'll see what I mean the day the PP and Vox are in power.

Second, because it's not unreasonable to think that Puigdemont could return in the coming months. It would be the culmination of the amnesty law passed by Congress. Sánchez's calculation is clear: now that Puigdemont's return is so close, let's not break off negotiations. Now that it will be more evident than ever that I committed to amnesty, let's wait a little while. Sánchez is hoping to meet with Puigdemont in Barcelona, ​​which is why he hasn't gone to see him in Belgium. Nor has he called him.

The question is how Junts will respond. They face a difficult task negotiating again with the PSOE, because the split wasn't just decided by the leadership, but also validated by the rank and file, as you may recall. But would Pedro Sánchez pull off this lightning-fast morning maneuver if he thought there was no water in the pool?

Good morning.