Catalan Nationalists Are Not Campaigning “On Backs of the Dead”
Accusing nationalists of attempting to profit from a terrorist attack is not going to change minds.
Europe
Britain Forgot to Ask Europe’s Opinion of a Brexit Transition
A transition deal might be good for Britain, but there are reasons to doubt the EU would agree to it.
Comparing German Party Platforms Reveals Two Divides
Fiscal issues divide the left and right. On Europe and NATO, it’s the extremists versus everyone else.
Macron Wins Central European Support for Posted-Workers Reform
The Frenchman argues rules must change to make Europeans feel the EU works for them.
Germany’s Social Democrats Need to Pick Side in Culture War
It is hard to appeal to progressive middle-class and nativist working-class voters at the same time.
Allies Hope for the Best from Trump, Must Plan for the Worst
Donald Trump might still morph into a more conventional president, but allies cannot take chance.
The Question in Germany: Who Will Govern with Merkel Next?
She could pick the Social Democrats, liberal Free Democrats or Greens.
Macron’s Liberalization Has Made Travel More Affordable in France
Allowing buses to compete with railways on long-distance routes has lowered prices.
Spain Promises Not to Hold Brexit Hostage to Gibraltar
Spain could have used Brexit to bargain for a new settlement for Gibraltar but vows not to.
Immigration Could Be Macron’s Achilles’ Heel
The president barely talks about an issue that preoccupies two-thirds of French voters.
Macron Takes Inspiration from California and Scandinavia
The French president’s economic vision is a mix of the Californian and Scandinavian models.
Berlusconi Comeback in Italy Looks Like a Long Shot
Too many things need to work out in the octogenarian’s favor.
Complacency May Have Led to Brexit and Trump
In good times, politics becomes a kind of sport: a means of venting and expressing oneself at low risk.
Don’t Read Too Much into Macron’s Falling Popularity
The president loses support from the people who would be hurt by his reforms.
Duda Hasn’t Stopped Law and Justice from Subjugating Poland’s Courts
The president’s veto doesn’t end the ruling nationalist party’s attempts to put the judiciary under political control.