Spain
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Catalonia, one year later
A year after Catalonia’s botched declaration of independence, pro-independence parties still cling to power in the regional government but find themselves increasingly at odds with each other. Political gridlock has taken its toll on the Catalan economy, while urban dwellers are tilting toward the anti-independence camp. The choice appears to be between continued stalemate or an accommodation with Madrid, which would require a political realignment of pro-independence moderates with unionists.
New Spanish government’s strong start could strengthen EU
Spanish conservatives have managed to restore economic growth, but the shortcomings of Mariano Rajoy’s governing style and a corruption scandal have created an opening for their main rivals to take power. Thus far, socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is off to a surprisingly strong start.
Opinion: Separatism in Europe
Independence movements are on the rise in Europe. At the heart of this phenomenon is an ever-globalizing world, bringing with it inflows of foreigners and an outflow of traditional industries. Most of these movements have set aside violent measures in recent years, but there is no guarantee that will continue. ...
Catalonia and why secession movements fail
Catalonia’s attempt to win independence failed due to resolute action by the central government and poor leadership in Barcelona. The case shows that when clumsy local politicians fail to consider economic consequences and propose drastic changes to the welfare state, support for independence crumbles. The future of secession movements in ...
Nationalisms collide in Catalonia
If the situation after the Catalonian government’s declaration of independence were not so serious, it could be likened to a traditional Spanish farsa – a comedy of errors. Two national traditions have collided head-on – the republicanism of Catalonia and the military imperialism of Castile – and in modern-day Europe, ...
