Junts withdraws support for PSOE government

The executive of Catalan pro-independence party Junts has agreed to break its pact of support for the ruling PSOE party.

Party leader Carles Puigdemont said the PSOE had failed to uphold the commitments it gave in return for Junts' support for the investiture of Pedro Sanchez as Spanish Premier in 2023.

The party executive agreed unanimously on the move, with the membership to vote on the issue later this week.

Pedro Sanchez's investiture came about after the socialist leader secured enough support in a parliamentary vote to guarantee him a second term.

It came after weeks of intense negotiations with smaller regional parties - including Junts.

The Catalan party's withdrawal of support will mean Mr Sanchez can no longer rely on Junts' seven votes in the Spanish Parliament,  weakening his government's ability to pass legislation.