How Law and Justice Stays Popular in Poland
The nationalists have raised social spending and portray their opponents as either corrupt or fanatical.
Europe
Pro- and Anti-Independence Parties Fail to Unite in Catalonia
Neither the unionists nor separatists are able to join forces in time for the December election.
German Free Democrats, Greens Drop Red Lines
The liberals accept smaller tax cuts. The Greens soften their climate goals.
Sicily Defeat Does Not Bode Well for Italy’s Center-Left
The left is divided. The right is united. The populist Five Star Movement remains strong.
Belgians Criticize Persecution of Catalan Leaders
Belgians from across the political spectrum wonder if Spain has no alternative to locking up its separatists.
Support for Catalan Independence Up, But Most Favor Compromise
More Catalans want to break away from Spain, but a majority would still be satisfied with autonomy.
Lessons for Democrats from Europe
Europe’s social democrats tried to win back working-class voters.
Salvini Would Pick Populists Over Center-Left for Coalition
The leader of Italy’s Northern League would prefer a government with the Five Star Movement.
Old-School Leftists Break with Democratic Party in Italy
Disputes over a new electoral law and the governor of the Bank of Italy reveal a left-wing split.
Rajoy Could Struggle to Implement Direct Rule in Catalonia
Active and passive resistance from Catalan officials could make it difficult to impose rule from Madrid.
Independence Tests Catalonia’s Ruling Coalition
Left-wing separatists are determined to secede from Spain, but the center-right is divided.
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.
Posted-Workers Reform a Largely Symbolic Victory for Macron
The changes affect few workers, but the French leader believes they have symbolic value.
Rajoy’s Offers Are Too Little, Too Late for Catalans
What’s needed is an ambitious proposal to break the impasse.
In City-Country Imbalance, Don’t Focus Only on the Left Behind
City dwellers may at some point decide they have had enough of subsidizing ungrateful provinces.