A push towards independence
A double dynamic of great complexity is changing the
landscape of Spanish politics in ways almost unimaginable five years
ago. Firstly, the two-party system that has dominated the country since
its transition from dictatorship to democracy in the late 1970s is
facing strong challenges from both the radical leftists of Podemos and
the centre-right reformist party Ciudadanos. The next general election,
due this year, offers more significant imponderables than any in Spain’s
recent history. Meanwhile, public opinion in the prosperous and
populous region of Catalonia
has shifted from supporting strong regional self-government towards
demanding independence. The September 27th regional election is
portrayed as a plebiscite on secession by the pro-independence parties.
landscape of Spanish politics in ways almost unimaginable five years
ago. Firstly, the two-party system that has dominated the country since
its transition from dictatorship to democracy in the late 1970s is
facing strong challenges from both the radical leftists of Podemos and
the centre-right reformist party Ciudadanos. The next general election,
due this year, offers more significant imponderables than any in Spain’s
recent history. Meanwhile, public opinion in the prosperous and
populous region of Catalonia
has shifted from supporting strong regional self-government towards
demanding independence. The September 27th regional election is
portrayed as a plebiscite on secession by the pro-independence parties.
It is sometimes suggested that these two dynamics might cancel each other out, benefitting the status quo in Madrid
and Barcelona. Many Spaniards, on both left and right, are undoubtedly
fearful and angry at Catalonia’s march towards secession, perceived as a
refusal to share its wealth. Under other circumstances, these fears
might be mobilised by the conservative Partido Popular (PP), heir to a passionate strand of Spanish nationalism, in government in Madrid.
and Barcelona. Many Spaniards, on both left and right, are undoubtedly
fearful and angry at Catalonia’s march towards secession, perceived as a
refusal to share its wealth. Under other circumstances, these fears
might be mobilised by the conservative Partido Popular (PP), heir to a passionate strand of Spanish nationalism, in government in Madrid.
But popular anger with the big parties has been fed
by the misery of a long economic crisis for which both the PP and PSOE
bear some responsibility, and by credible corruption allegations against
both parties. It runs too deep to be diverted by flag-waving from the
PP, whose patriotic rhetoric sits uneasily with its reputation for
abusing public office for private enrichment.
by the misery of a long economic crisis for which both the PP and PSOE
bear some responsibility, and by credible corruption allegations against
both parties. It runs too deep to be diverted by flag-waving from the
PP, whose patriotic rhetoric sits uneasily with its reputation for
abusing public office for private enrichment.
