Spanish government aims to reform Constitution to 'end immunity'

Spanish president Pedro Sánchez on Monday announced plans to reform the Constitution to "end immunity," so that political representatives and officials do not enjoy privileges when facing justice.

The reform won't include officials investigated for actions or events happening while they are carrying out of their political responsibilities, and won't include judges or members of the Crown either –according to Spanish government sources.

Pro-independence parties have criticized Sánchez for starting this reform of the Constitution, and not using the opportunity to include the right of self-determination in the Carta Magna.

"If the Spanish constitution can be urgently modified for immunities or to establish a zero deficit, they should make use of the opportunity to explicitly include the right of self-determination in the Magna Carta," said spokeswoman for Esquerra Republicana (ERC), Marta Vilalta.

According to the leader of pro-independence PDECAT, David Bonvehí, trying to push forward a constitutional reform without considering Catalonia's demands is "shameful."  

Meanwhile, left-wing Podemos welcomed the Spanish government initiative. "A politician must be judged like any other citizen," said the party spokeswoman, Noelia Vera. However, Podemos also urged Sánchez to be "braver" and end the "immunity" that protects former King Juan Carlos I, who has been accused of financial crimes. However, no official investigation has been launched, as the case was dismissed by courts.