Critics of the Junts strategy warn that centering national politics on the personal situation of Carles Puigdemont is a dangerous distraction from the real needs of the Catalan public. By tying the stability of the Spanish government to the fate of a single individual, Junts risks alienating moderate voters who are more concerned with economic growth, public services, and infrastructure investment. This focus, they argue, prioritizes symbolic victories over tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens.
There is also a significant concern regarding the rule of law. Opponents of this strategy argue that the judicial process should remain independent of political negotiations. By demanding a resolution that facilitates a return, Junts is accused of attempting to exert political pressure on the judiciary, which could undermine the separation of powers in Spain. This creates a precedent where legal consequences for political actions become negotiable based on parliamentary arithmetic.
Furthermore, this strategy places the PSOE in an untenable position. Critics suggest that by catering to these demands, the government risks losing credibility with the broader Spanish electorate, who may view such concessions as a betrayal of the constitutional order. This could lead to a backlash that ultimately weakens the government and increases polarization across the country, making it harder to reach a national consensus on other pressing issues.
Finally, there is the risk of political instability. If the negotiations fail or if the public perceives the government as being held hostage by Junts, the resulting frustration could trigger a collapse of the current administration. This would lead to a period of uncertainty that serves neither the interests of Catalonia nor the rest of Spain, potentially stalling essential reforms and damaging the country's economic prospects in the long term.