Catalan Socialists Choose Opposition Over Deal with Separatists
Miquel Iceta condemns his party to four more years in opposition by refusing deals with both separatists and unionists.
Southern Europe
Rajoy Walks Back Promise of Constitutional Reform
The conservative’s intransigence gives credence to separatists who argue Spain will never respect Catalonia.
Italy’s Leftists Open Door to Necessary Alliance
The left won’t stand a chance divided, but it will be hard to set aside personal feuds and policy differences.
Don’t Exaggerate Russian Meddling in the Catalan Independence Crisis
Yes, Russia tried to exacerbate the crisis, but it didn’t create Catalan separatism.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.