Spanish leader defends amnesty deal for Catalan separatists ahead of vote

Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is looking to form a new government (AP)

Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has defended his controversial amnesty deal for Catalonia’s separatists in parliament as part of a debate a day before the Socialist leader seeks the endorsement of the chamber to form a new government.

Mr Sanchez has tied up the public support of six smaller parties to ensure that he can reach the absolute majority of 176 deputies voting in favour of re-establishing his minority coalition government with the left-wing Sumar (Joining Forces) party.