Junts' shifting votes in Congress are reshaping alliances and fueling uncertainty. The party's recent support for PP and Vox initiatives has heightened tensions ahead of a key EU court ruling on the amnesty law.
Recent parliamentary sessions in Spain have highlighted a growing unpredictability in the voting patterns of Junts, the party led by Carles Puigdemont. Once a reliable partner for the government, Junts has increasingly aligned itself with the Partido Popular (PP) and, at times, with Vox. This shift has unsettled both the ruling coalition and its traditional allies, especially as the country approaches a crucial decision from the European Court of Justice on the amnesty law for Catalan leaders.
In the latest session, Junts' seven deputies supported the government bloc on several general interest decrees and laws. However, they also joined the PP in backing a motion that criticized the government's stability, stopping short of demanding immediate elections. This dual approach has made Junts' position difficult to predict, with their votes varying not only from week to week but sometimes within the same session.
The roots of this volatility trace back to last autumn, when Junts formally distanced itself from the coalition that had supported Pedro Sánchez's investiture. The party cited frustration over unfulfilled agreements, leading to a more independent and tactical approach in Congress. Since then, Junts has supported seven PP-sponsored motions or non-binding proposals, six of them after the official split in November 2025. In the current legislative term, Junts has voted with the PP on 13 royal decrees related to social issues, and in six of those cases, Vox also joined the alliance.
Government sources and coalition partners, including PSOE and Sumar, are closely watching these developments. Many link Junts' shifting stance to the upcoming July 16 ruling by the European Court of Justice, which will address the legality of the amnesty law and the financial responsibilities of Puigdemont and Artur Mas. The outcome could reshape the political landscape and influence Junts' future decisions.
Meanwhile, PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has adjusted his strategy. In a recent interview on El Hormiguero, he noted that Junts' recent moves would have been unthinkable just months ago. Feijóo has shifted his focus away from direct attacks on Puigdemont, instead increasing pressure on other government allies such as the PNV and Gabriel Rufián of ERC. Notably, Junts has found common ground with the PP on economic policy, tax reduction, and housing, often taking a more conservative stance than the Basque PNV.
Voting records from the current session show Junts has supported PP initiatives 34 times, opposed them 36 times, and abstained on 25 occasions. Regarding government or Socialist Group proposals, Junts has voted in favor 29 times, against 9, and abstained 13 times. Junts attributes its changing approach to what it describes as government disloyalty, claiming it is now excluded from key legislative discussions.
During a recent control session, Prime Minister Sánchez used a question from PNV spokesperson Maribel Vaquero to indirectly address Junts, emphasizing the need to fully implement the amnesty law. In the same session, ERC's Gabriel Rufián reminded Junts that the PP, with whom they now sometimes align, had previously sought to outlaw their party and jail Puigdemont, referencing the application of Article 155 during the Catalan crisis.
As the July 16 court decision approaches, speculation is mounting within the government and among its allies about how Junts will position itself. The outcome could have significant implications for the stability of the current legislature and the future of the amnesty law. For context, the amnesty law was a central element in securing Sánchez's investiture and remains a point of contention in Spanish politics. The European Court of Justice's ruling is expected to clarify the legal standing of the law and could influence the broader debate over Catalonia's political future.
