The declaration of independence from Spain by Catalonia this month, sets a precedence that is likely to be repeated elsewhere in Europe. As the memories of war and economic deprivation from the middle of the last century fade, the resurgence of nationalism should of been expected. The violent crackdown by the Spanish government to head off a referendum for political separation, has an all too familiar story attached to it. Although over 90% of voters in Spanish Catalonia chose independence in the […]
Spain
Independence For Catalonia, Can Spain Survive?
The European Union has sustained a number of crises over the past decade. The financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 and the resulting recession were the first two blows. This was followed by the debt crisis in the ensuing years. The economic slowdown overwhelmed a number of countries, that had been used to heavy government outlays, that had been funded mostly through deficit spending. The next issue that strained the fabric of the Union, was the massive surge in migration to Europe […]
Another Crucial Election in Spain Approaches
King Felipe VI of Spain had no choice, but to call for another national election. There were a number of different attempts to form a government, which all failed since December. The Conservatives (PP) under Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy have continued the task of running the government on a daily basis, but it is only a caretaker. In power since 2011, the Party still remains the largest in voter support, but no longer has a mandate to create a working majority in […]