Supporters of the amnesty law, including figures like José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, maintain that political problems require political solutions rather than purely judicial ones. From this perspective, the law is not an attack on the Rule of Law but a pragmatic exercise of it. By closing the chapter on the 2017 events, the state can move past a period of intense confrontation that has hindered effective governance and social cohesion in Catalonia.
Proponents argue that the legal proceedings initiated after 2017 have not succeeded in integrating the Catalan independence movement into the broader constitutional framework. Instead, they suggest that the ongoing threat of prosecution has only deepened resentment and stalled productive negotiations. By granting amnesty, the government is attempting to reset the relationship, encouraging separatist parties to participate more constructively in national politics.
Furthermore, advocates point out that amnesty is a recognized tool in democratic societies for managing transitions and resolving deep-seated internal conflicts. They argue that the stability of the Spanish state is better served by a population that feels included in the political process rather than one that feels persecuted by it. This approach prioritizes long-term peace and institutional stability over the rigid application of punitive measures.
Ultimately, the goal is to foster a climate where political differences are debated in parliament rather than fought in the courtroom. If successful, this policy could lead to a more stable coalition government and a reduction in the regional tensions that have dominated Spanish politics for nearly a decade.