Spain’s conservative leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo sought to portray himself as a defender of democracy and the rule of law as he began an improbable bid for the premiership following July’s inconclusive election.

In opening remarks to lawmakers in Madrid Tuesday to try to convince them to back him for the top job, Feijoo said a potential amnesty law for Catalan secessionist activists that could pave the way for acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to remain in office is unconstitutional. Sanchez has not publicly ruled out an amnesty, which is a condition demanded by Catalan separatists to back his bid to retain power.

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