Catalonia

Spanish economy 13th September 2019

Perhaps a thaw between Madrid and Catalonia has begun

Ana Fuentes | A tense autumn was expected between Madrid and Catalonia, but perhaps it will not be so bad. With the Supreme Court´s sentence on the Catalan separatist leaders only weeks away, and the anniversary of the illegal referendum on 1 October, Thursday´s demonstration in Barcelona was seen as a key measure of the temperature of Catalan separatism. Finally the figures show that the tension has (apparently) reduced: according to the local police, 600,000 people took to the streets. It was a massive, peaceful and colourful demonstration, but with the lowest turnout in 7 years, when the strongest drive for independence began.

In Europe 21st June 2019

The battle for EU’s top jobs is on- What are Spain´s chances?

Ana Fuentes | The musical chairs for top institutional renewal in Brussels has begun. At stake are the presidencies of the European Commission, the European Council, the European Parliament and the European Central Bank, as well as the representative for Unión diplomacy. For Spain, opportunities may open up. Yet the government has to deal with the after effects of the Catalan conflict, which has not questioned its democratic legitimacy, although it may compromise its margin of maneuver.

Opinion, Spanish economy 16th June 2019

Catalan separatism keeps up the pressure before the Supreme Court

Fernando G. Urbaneja | Throughout the trial of “separatism”, in concrete of the seditious activities carried out by the accused, the separatist strategy of discrediting Spanish democracy and its institutions (a form of the black legend) systematically using international fora and media, has, once again, remained clear.

Opinion, Spanish economy 14th March 2019

In the Spain of 2019

Luis Alcaide | Spanish government with its parliamentary minority has administered, but without exposing itself to dangerous risks difficult. It has pushed its budget, with its own proposals, knowing it will not be approved. But as Groucho Marx said “here is another one”. The increase in the minimum wage has already shown their socialist colours. We need to continue to take care of the economy. It is not that easy, but not that hard either.

Spanish economy 12th February 2019

The Fear Of An Accident Is Beginning To Dominate Spanish Society

Joan Tapia (Barcelona) | BBVA says that Spain could grow 2.4% this year (it grew 2.5% in 2018) and 2% in 2020. This would create 800,000 jobs over the two years and unemployment would fall to 12.6% (compared to 15.3% in 2018). Yet, BBVA also warns that the probability of an accident has increased. Spain’s public debt is 12 points above the eurozone average, around 100% of GDP. Moreover, the Catalan situation is explosive as it represents 16% of the population and 19% of GDP.

Opinion 7th February 2019

UN Minorities Rapporteur: A Scrutiny Which Deserves To Be Scrutinised

Ana Fuentes | A special rapporteur from the UN visited Spain to “collect first hand information on the situation of minorities in the country, identify good practice and key areas which need improvement”. Why he chose the fourth economy in the Eurozone after Bostwana and Slovenia is a mystery.

Germany will have to accept greater responsibility within the EU and in the world

Interviews 10th May 2018

“The “Schism” Between East And West Is More Dangerous Than The One Between North And South”

Ana Fuentes | “The European leaders will also have to deal with insuring and enlarging a multilateral open system for trade, threatened not only by the US policies, which will lead to Germany having to accept more responsibility within the EU and in the world – and this includes not only the fields of economy and finance,” says Joachim Bitterlich, who was advisor to former Chancellor Helmut Kohl and is currently Professor at the ESCP School in Paris.

Mr Rajoy's government has to approve Spanish 2018 budget

Spanish economy 30th April 2018

Spanish 2018 Budget: Subject To A Raft Of Doubts

The 2018 budgets predict very optimistic increases in revenues (+6% in some taxes). But there is no real risk of non-compliance if spending remains tightly controlled.

Spanish Politics 24th April 2018

Germany Is Not Catalonia’s Pro-Independence

Is Germany pro-independence? No, no it isn’t, despite the fact that the separtist propaganda operates intelligently in Germany – with Puigdemont top of the list, in his role as the victim of an oppressive and anti-democratic Spain.

The Treaty of Aachen: The two largest European economies barely differ

In Europe 19th April 2018

There Will Never Be Economic Union In Europe: Merkel Is Dodging Macron

It’s been some time since Europe has had a leader with such clear ideas as Emmanuel Macron, but Angela Merkel is not really happy about it. And that’s logical, because she has been calling all the shots. She has the power in Europe and so don’t expect even the slightest concession from her which is anything more than esthetic.

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