"There will be no referendum on self-determination unless those who defend it manage to convince three-fifths of this Chamber to modify the Constitution and vote. I tell you that the Socialist Party will never accept this type of outcome," Sanchez said, speaking to the Congress of Deputies on Wednesday.
Last week, the Spanish government pardoned nine Catalan politicians sentenced for participating in and organising the independence referendum in 2017. They were released on June 23 but will be deprived of the right to run for government posts.
Sanchez recalled that the nine politicians did not go to prison for their ideals, but for breaking the law and stressed that the pardon does not question or review the court's decision but is due to reasons of public utility.
The prime minister once again rejected Catalonia's claims of independence but outlined other areas in which the parties can reach agreements, among them, an increase in investment in the economy of the autonomous community. He also did not rule out that if the dialogue continues, one of its consequences could be the reform of the Spanish constitution.
The Spanish Supreme Court in October 2019 sentenced 12 Catalan politicians in connection with their involvement in the referendum. Nine people were found guilty of the mutiny and received sentences ranging from nine to 13 years in prison. Three of them were found guilty of insubordination and sentenced to fines.
