Zapatero is left alone in the dialogue with Junts

BarcelonaSpanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's decision to dismiss his deputy, Santos Cerdán, for corruption has had a knock-on effect on the relationship between Junts and the PSOE: the members of the judiciary have been left without an interlocutor. Cerdán was in charge of the Spanish Prime Minister's most sensitive missions, so he entrusted him with reaching an agreement with former President Carles Puigdemont. In fact, the PSOE's organizational secretary rose to the political forefront in Catalonia primarily due to the photo taken in the European Parliament negotiating with Puigdemont and the Secretary General of Junts, Jordi Turull. Until now, it has been Cerdán and former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero who have participated in the monthly meetings in Switzerland with the international mediator. This dialogue has now been left in the air due to the crisis surrounding Pedro Sánchez.

In fact, on Thursday afternoon, following Turull's defense of Cerdán's presumption of innocence—the two politicians established a relationship of trust—Junts sent a statement demanding an "urgent" meeting with Sánchez to "directly understand the feasibility" of completing his term. Junts sources clarify that, given everything that's coming out, they need the PSOE leader to prove to them that he really knew nothing and to clarify under what conditions he can continue his mandate while complying with pending agreements, such as the Catalan agreement in Europe or the financing system. "He must tell us how he intends to continue," they state.

In any case, several Junts sources consulted rule out allying with the PP and Vox for a vote of no confidence, and for now, they have not called on Sánchez to submit to a vote of no confidence. It's important to bear in mind that the crisis is erupting at a key moment for Junts and the rest of the pro-independence parties: between now and the end of the year, the Constitutional Court is expected to rule on all appeals regarding the amnesty and, therefore, clarify whether former president Carles Puigdemont can be returned to Catalonia. In this regard, Junts members admit that it is very difficult to break with Sánchez at this point. However, the tone of the speech Turull is expected to give this Saturday at the national council of the pro-independence parties will be crucial, where he will surely send a message to the Spanish government.

Left with Bolaños

The problem of dialogue regarding Cerdán's dismissal is not with ERC. The dialogue with the Republicans has been led by the Minister of the Presidency, Félix Bolaños, who, unlike Cerdán, had not gotten along with the Junts leaders. Also, the Vice President of the Spanish Government and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, has been involved, especially due to the unusual financing model the Republicans agreed upon for Salvador Illa's investiture. In fact, ERC blames her for the "slowdown" of the pact. However, for ERC, is it business as usual? Party sources admit that, depending on what emerges regarding the alleged corruption case, they will also raise the bar. For now, they are asking Sánchez to explain himself in Congress.