What Conservative Spain Has in Common with Putin
Both are insecure.
Southern Europe
Sánchez Can No Longer Ignore Catalonia
A spying scandal shatters what little hope Catalan nationalists had of negotiating with Madrid.
Italians Turn Their Backs on Putin (And His Sympathizers)
The war in Ukraine has discredited Italian anti-Americanism.
Macron Promises Corsica Autonomy After Violent Protests
The offer is seen as political calculation by his opponents.
Catalan Support for Independence Down, Autonomy Up
The shift in public opinion suggests a way out of the decade-long dispute with Spain.
Spain’s Casado Flirted with the Far Right and Lost
Pablo Casado’s lurch to the right scared away moderates and failed to impress hardliners.
Catalans Bear Brunt of Spanish Judicial Activism
Spanish judges waste no opportunity to frustrate Catalan ambitions.
Portuguese Far Left Throws Away Leverage
António Costa no longer needs smaller parties for a majority.
Italy Has a Draghi-Sized Problem
No one else has his authority and stature.
“Repeal” of Spanish Labor Reforms Is Limited
Trade unions and the socialist government meet employers halfway.
Spain Tries to Attract More Expats
Taxes are cut, but there’s not much the national government can do about overbearing bureaucracy.
Catalan Budget Crisis Is Tied to Independence
Reasonable independence parties need the support of separatist hardliners.
Repeal of Spanish Labor Reforms Is Unwise
Liberalizations cut unemployment and encouraged business creation.
Costa Loses Support of Portugal’s Far Left
Early elections are likely.
Sway with Me: How Italy’s Salvini Lost His Credibility
The far-right leader couldn’t decide between populism and statesmanship.