The Spanish government is grappling with escalating tensions with Junts, the Catalan pro-independence party, as negotiations reach a critical juncture.

Junts has demanded that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez face a vote of confidence, a move the government has firmly rejected.

This standoff threatens to derail key agreements, including the transfer of immigration powers to Catalonia and the recognition of Catalan as an official EU language.

While Sánchez has ruled out early elections, the impasse could lead to legislative gridlock, complicating the passage of the 2024 budget.

Talks continue, but a resolution remains uncertain, with both sides wary of the political fallout.