Freed Catalan separatist leader says no quid pro quo to pardons

Catalonia's regional President Pere Aragones gets ready for a photo op with Catalonia's pardoned separatist leaders at Palau de la Generalitat in Barcelona, Spain June 28, 2021. REUTERS/Albert Gea

The pardons of jailed Catalan separatist leaders does not guarantee automatic support for the Spanish government's 2022 budget, Oriol Junqueras, the most prominent of the freed politicians, said on Monday.

Junqueras told Reuters there was no quid pro quo associated with the pardons since his leftist separatist party Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya had not requested them.

Catalonia's regional President Pere Aragones poses for a photo op with Catalonia's pardoned separatist leaders at Palau de la Generalitat in Barcelona, Spain June 28, 2021. REUTERS/Albert Gea

Esquerra's support is crucial for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez budget plan. However, Junqueras said it would not back it as result of the pardons but only if it brings benefits to Catalonia.

(Reporting by Joan Faus, editing by Inti Landauro and Angus MacSwan)

FILE PHOTO: Catalan leaders Oriol Junqueras, Joaquim Forn, Josep Rull, Raul Romeva, Jordi sanchez and Jordi Cuixart gesture in front of the Lledoners prison after the Spanish government announced a pardon for those who participated in Catalonia's failed 2017 independence bid, Sant Joan de Vilatorrada, near Barcelona, Spain, June 23, 2021. REUTERS/Albert Gea