The Guardian view on an amnesty deal for Catalan separatists: Pedro Sánchez is right to gamble again | Editorial

Spain's caretaker prime minister has cut a controversial deal to stay in power. It is in the country's interest that it succeeds

In recent political memory, few spectacles have been as surprising as the sight of David Cameron striding back into Downing Street to become Britain's new foreign secretary. But Mr Cameron's Lazarus-style comeback may yet be put in the shade by the career resurrection of the exiled Catalan separatist Carles Puigdemont.

Following Spain's inconclusive snap election in the summer, Mr Puigdemont's Together for Catalonia party has unexpectedly found itself occupying a kingmaker role as the caretaker prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, seeks enough votes to stay in power. The price of its support is an amnesty deal which could benefit Mr Puigdemont and hundreds of other activists facing criminal charges related to his failed independence campaign.