The Intelligence from The Economist The strain in Spain: an election looms
Apr 26, 2019
David McNeil, a correspondent for The Economist based in Tokyo, shares gripping stories from Japan's dark past, focusing on victims of the country's forced sterilization policy. He reflects on a recent government apology that stirs deep emotions. The conversation also shifts to Spain's political turmoil, with the looming general election revealing a fragmented landscape and the challenges of coalition-building. With rising tensions in Catalonia, the effects ripple through both Spain and Europe, highlighting the ongoing struggle for stability.
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Spain's Political Crisis
- Spain's political landscape is fractured, with no clear path to a stable coalition government.
- This fragmentation is a growing problem in Europe, as seen in Germany, Belgium, and Italy.
Drivers of Fragmentation
- The financial crisis and the rise of Catalan separatism have driven Spain's political fragmentation.
- The Catalan issue has reintroduced nationalism into Spanish politics, creating tensions.
European Stability
- Spain's political paralysis could impact European stability, particularly concerning the balance of power within the EU.
- With Britain leaving, a stable Spain could have been a valuable counterweight to the Franco-German axis.