Kurzism Doesn’t Travel Well
Conservatives in France and Spain have mimicked the Austrian’s lurch to the right without his success.
Southern Europe
A Year Has Been Wasted in Catalonia
Almost nothing has changed since the independence referendum in 2017.
Italy Backs Down from Budget Fight with EU
The ruling Five Star Movement and League agree to rein in spending.
Bush’s Ambivalent Yugoslavia Policy Shaped Transatlantic Relations for Decade
George H.W. Bush was reluctant to intervene, but in the end America could not stand idly by.
Socialists Lose Election in Andalusia, Far Right Breaks Through
The Socialists will probably lose control of the regional government after forty years.
Why Greek-Russian Relations Haven’t Improved
When the far left came to power in Greece, there were fears it would seek an entente with Moscow.
Harder Line Neither Helps Nor Hurts Spain’s People’s Party — For Now
Pablo Casado’s lurch to the right plays well with the base, but he isn’t expanding the party’s coalition.
Why Spain’s Threat to Hold Up Brexit Over Gibraltar Is Theater
Josep Borrell’s demand for “clarity” looks like political theater to fend off criticism at home.
The Spanish Right’s Gibraltar Hypocrisy
The People’s Party said it wouldn’t use Brexit to get a deal on Gibraltar. Now it blames the left for failing to do just that.
Italy’s Budget Standoff with the European Commission, Explained
The commission can’t force Italy to change its spending plan, but its objections do matter.
Spain’s Sánchez Seals Spending Deal with Far Left
The budget deal could keep the Socialist in power for another year.
Torra Gives Spain Ultimatum. His Position Is Weak
The Catalan leader doesn’t have the unequivocal support of his base.
Rome on Collision Course with European Allies, Financial Markets
The government’s spending plan would see Italy’s debt and deficit rise rather than fall.
Don’t Bet Against Pedro Sánchez Yet
The Spanish prime minister has a knack for defying the odds.
Catalans Demonstrate for Independence on National Holiday
The day has become an occasion for mass demonstrations for Catalan self-determination.