

The strain in Spain: an election looms
Apr 26, 2019
Christopher Lockwood, The Economist's Europe editor, shares insights on Spain's turbulent political scene as the country braces for a contentious election. He highlights Catalonia's independence movement and the fragmentation of political parties, hinting at a drawn-out government formation. Meanwhile, David McNeil, an Economist correspondent in Tokyo, uncovers Japan's dark history of forced sterilization through the poignant story of a victim grappling with his painful past, while also addressing the complexities of Japan's work culture and mixed feelings about a new national holiday.
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Spain's Political Fragmentation
- Spain's political landscape is fractured, leading to instability.
- The Catalan independence movement plays a significant role in this fragmentation.
Coalition Challenges in Europe
- Spain's fragmented political landscape makes forming stable coalitions difficult.
- This fragmentation is a growing problem across Europe.
Drivers of Fragmentation
- The financial crisis and the rise of Catalan separatism have driven political fragmentation in Spain.
- The Catalan issue has deep historical roots and tensions.