People across Spain have gathered in large numbers to protest an amnesty deal with Catalan separatists aimed at securing a second term for the socialist-led government.
Tens of thousands of people participated in the largest rally, which took place in Madrid.
Spanish flags and banners with the phrase "Respect the Constitution" were carried by a large number of demonstrators. Marches of a similar nature took place in Valencia, Seville, and Granada.
The leader of the center-right party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, demanded a fresh referendum, accusing acting prime minister Pedro Sánchez of acting in his own self-interest instead of Spain's.
Addressing supporters in the capital, Mr Feijóo said: "We will not shut up until there are new elections. What is being done now is the contrary of what [Spaniards] voted for."
Referring to the prime minister, the President of the Region of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, told the sizable gathering at Madrid's major square: "His project is totalitarianism. He has decided that he will not lose power, no matter the cost."
Why are there protests in Spain?
Protesters oppose the acting government's attempt to win a second term in office by granting amnesty to individuals involved in the unlawful and abortive attempt to declare Catalonia independent six years ago.
An amnesty is a government decision allowing the release of political prisoners.
After the unresolved general election in July, the question of amnesty emerged. Despite finishing top, the conservative People's Party (PP) has shown itself unable to form a government, even with the backing of smaller, more extreme groups like the far-right Vox party.
But by giving amnesty to the two biggest Catalan pro-independence parties in exchange for their support, the PSOE and its allies in the left-wing Sumar alliance have managed to assemble the required support.
The former Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont, who has been in exile in Brussels since 2017, will be able to return to Spain without fear of being detained thanks to the amnesty, even though it does not alter the legislation going ahead.
As a result of his attempts to split Catalonia from Spain, he is currently facing accusations of sedition and financial embezzlement.
It is currently anticipated that Sánchez will be reappointed as prime minister by congress after a discussion and vote at the end of this week. Had Sanchez failed in his negotiations, new elections would have been required in Spain.
