SPAIN: Ruling coalition stronger than it looks
As expected, the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and far-left Unidas Podemos reached an agreement on the draft 2022 budget on 5 October, which the government is expected to approve and send to the Congress of Deputies (lower chamber) in the coming hours. While it remains unclear … Become a member to read the rest […]
SPAIN: Playing for time in Catalonia (and Madrid)
Following a deal between two secessionist parties, a new government was sworn in last week in the region of Catalonia. Despite the hardline rhetoric of new regional Prime Minister Pere Aragones, another unilateral push for independence remains unlikely. Rather, Aragones will cont… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SPAIN: Implications of Iglesias’s departure
Unidas Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias announced on 15 March that he would resign as Vice Prime Minister to run in the regional election that will take place in Madrid on 4 May. His departure is unlikely to threaten the survival of the ruling Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE)-Podemos… Become a member to read the rest […]
SPAIN: National consequences of regional political earthquake
Ciudadanos’ decision to file a motion of no confidence against the People’s Party (PP)-led government in the Murcia region on 10 March has triggered political ripples across the country. Shortly after the move, Madrid region President Isabel Diaz Ayuso decided to break her coalit… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SPAIN: PSOE-Podemos coalition unlikely to break up
The infighting between the ruling center-left Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and far-left Unidas Podemos has intensified in the last few days. While the most recent rift is allegedly due to differences over policy issues, the divisions result from PSOE’s attempts at preventing P… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SPAIN: Sanchez the biggest winner after Catalan election
The Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) is poised to lead the next Catalan government despite the victory of the Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC) in the 14 February regional poll. An ERC-led government is less likely to push for unilateral steps towards independence and… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SPAIN: What to watch after the Catalan election
The regional election taking place in Catalonia this Sunday, 14 February, will determine whether the new Catalan government develops a more confrontational stance towards Madrid on the secession issue. On the national level, the vote could complicate cooperation between the Repub… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SPAIN: Catalan elections and coalition infighting still main risks to watch
Assuming the 14 February Catalan elections take place (a court must still confirm that the vote can be held), its results are likely to have an important bearing on national politics. A defeat of the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) at the hands of the Socialist Party … Become a member to read the […]
SPAIN: The political logic of delaying a second lockdown
With the seven-day rolling average of Covid-19 cases above 20,000 and 55,000 new cases registered over the weekend, Spain remains one of the few countries in Western Europe not to have introduced some sort of nationwide lockdown. Given the existing political constraints, the go… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SPAIN: A motion to divide the PP
Tomorrow, 22 October, the Congress of Deputies will vote down a motion of no confidence filed by far-right party VOX against the coalition government of the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and Unidas Podemos. Rather than dislodging Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the motion aims … Become a member to read the rest of this article