Independence Tests Catalonia’s Ruling Coalition
Left-wing separatists are determined to secede from Spain, but the center-right is divided.
Catalonia
Analysis and commentary about the independence crisis in Catalonia by Nick Ottens (based in Barcelona) and Ainslie Noble (an expert in Basque and Catalan identity issues).
Catalonia’s Far Left Could Hold the Key to Independence
If left-wing parties change sides, there would be a clear majority for independence from Spain.
Rajoy’s Offers Are Too Little, Too Late for Catalans
What’s needed is an ambitious proposal to break the impasse.
Puigdemont Has Five Options to Respond to Threat of Spanish Rule
The Catalan leader will probably urge resistance to Spanish rule or declare independence.
Suspension of Catalan Home Rule Divides Spain’s Socialists
Party members in the region criticize the national leadership for supporting Mariano Rajoy.
Spain to Suspend Catalan Home Rule After Independence Vote
The unprecedented step follows an independence referendum in the region Spain considered illegal.
Catalan Leader Steps Back from Brink, Satisfies No One
Separatists are disappointed Carles Puigdemont didn’t declare independence. Madrid remains on guard.
Democratic Ideals and Reality: An Enduring Tension
From Catalonia to Cameroon to Kurdistan to Puerto Rico, democratic ideals clash with the realities of geography.
World Won’t Let Catalonia or Kurdistan Come Quietly onto the Map
Independence for Catalonia and Kurdistan would upend the regional order in Europe and the Middle East.
Will Catalonia Declare Independence from Spain?
There are reasons to doubt the Catalans will go that far, but the politics don’t favor pragmatists.
Independence Crisis in Catalonia
Spain revokes Catalonia’s self-government in the wake of a controversial independence referendum.
Catalans Vote for Independence in Controversial Referendum
Analysis and opinion about the controversial independence vote in Catalonia.
A Failure of Leadership in Spain
Mariano Rajoy should never have let the Catalan independence crisis come this far.
British Struggle to Understand Spain’s Reaction to Catalan Referendum
They managed two referendums in three years. Why can’t the Spanish let the Catalans vote?
Catalonia Unlikely to Declare Independence After Referendum
Even if a majority votes to break away, the regional government could balk at declaring independence unilaterally.