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International: Separatists Finally Have a Majority in Catalonia – But Independence Isn’t a Done Deal

by Eoghan Gilmartin & Tommy Greene

Pro-independence parties finally achieved a majority of the popular vote in Catalonia on Sunday. But low turnout and a boost for both the unionist and independentist centre-left mean the next chapter in Catalonia's constitutional politics is going to involve negotiation, write Tommy Greene and Eoghan Gilmartin.

International: Spain’s Coming Election Will Determine the Next Phase of Its Constitutional Crisis

by Javier Moreno Zacarés

Gripped in what seems like a perpertual state of constitutional crisis, Spain heads to the polls for its fourth general election in as many years on Sunday. Javier Moreno Zacarés examines PSOE's tight-rope walk, the fractures in the left, and how recent Catalan unrest complicates the situation.

Long Read: Catalonia, Alone? Lessons From the Contradictions of the Independence Movement

by Bue Rübner Hansen

Between a Draconian Spanish state, an ambivalent left and an institutional impasse, it’s not clear where the Catalan independence movement goes next. Bue Rübner Hansen argues the challenges facing independentists reflect a far wider cycle of struggle.

Catalonia: As Independence Leaders Stand Trial, Is Spain Heading Towards Constitutional Crisis?

by Tommy Greene, Eoghan Gilmartin

As leaders of Catalonia’s failed 2017 breakaway bid go on trial, charged with rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds, the future of Spanish democracy hangs in the balance. What exactly is happening and why? Tommy Greene and Eoghan Gilmartin report from Madrid.

We Paid Attention to Catalonia’s Independence Bid. Why Are We Ignoring the Crisis in Cameroon?

by Ayo Awokoya

Catalonia’s bid to break away from the Spanish government made headlines around the world last October, but little attention has been paid to similar political upheavals across Africa, including an escalating situation in Cameroon which could constitute the country's greatest political crisis in decades.

Catalan Election: A Blow for Both Rajoy and Independence Movement?

by Pablo Castaño

With an increased turnout, yesterday's Catalan elections returned another pro-independence majority. But with centre-right unionists Ciudadanos making significant gains, is this the affirmation secessionists were seeking?

Catalonia: What Happens Next?

by Pablo Castaño

Yesterday the Catalan government ended weeks of speculation with a declaration of independence. As expected, Spain responded by suspending Catalan autonomy. But in a more surprising move, the PM also called a snap regional election. Pablo Castaño writes from Barcelona.

A Vote for Independence (from Fear and Intolerance)

by Jordi Molina

The referendum has been declared illegal by the Spanish government, Catalan officials have been arrested, and there's doubt over whether a vote on independence will resolve the country's political conflict. But today, in spite of everything, Catalonia will go to the polls.

Catalonia in Revolt: How Did We Get Here and What Happens Next?

by Javier Moreno Zacarés

Since the upcoming Catalan independence referendum was ruled illegal, events have spiralled beyond anyone's expectations. Initial concerns about the legitimacy of the vote have now been surpassed by anger at the encroachment of the Spanish state into Catalonia.

A Network of Liberated Spaces: Visiting Barcelona’s Squats

by Tomás Lynch (Words) and Georgia Lalor (Photos)

Amidst the ongoing political stalemate in Spain, Catalonia's squatters are trying to carve out different ways of living together. Tomás Lynch visited to talk about 15M, Catalan independence, escapism and solidarity.

Long Read: Can Masdeu: A Catalan Eco-Community Showing the Potential of Degrowth

by Steve Rushton

Sunday Long Read: Outside the rat race of Barcelona, a squatted hospital shows how a politics of degrowth could show the way to collective and sustainable living.

Catalan Independence: 4 Notes on a House of Mirrors

by Kate Shea Baird

In an eleventh-hour deal that saw the ousting of the incumbent, Artur Mas, pro-independence parties in the Catalan parliament have averted fresh elections by agreeing on a new president. What now for the Catalan independence movement?

Long Read: Rewrite or Escape the EU? Two Strategies from Southern Europe

by Steve Rushton

Sunday Long Read: The rise of Podemos in last week’s Spanish election brings questions of EU membership back into the frame. What can we learn from Greek and Catalan radicals ahead of the UK’s referendum?

Spain Decides: 5 Keys to Understanding the Spanish General Election

by Kate Shea Baird

Since 2011 Spain has seen bank bailouts, a massive anti-austerity movement and a strengthened Catalan independence campaign. Here’s a guide to what’s at stake in this weekend’s general election.

6 Things You Need to Know About the Catalan Elections

by Javier Moreno Zacarés

Yesterday pro-independence parties gained a parliamentary majority in the Catalan elections. What does this mean for prospects of independence and for the left heading into the Spanish general election this December?

5 Reasons Catalonia’s Elections Will Be the Next Flashpoint in Europe

by David Ferreira

Early elections have been announced in Catalonia. They are being seen as a replacement for a continually-outlawed independence referendum. With renewed efforts to win a pro-independence majority, the radical left could hold the balance of power.

From 15M to Elections: the Left-Wing Forces Threatening the Old Guard of Spanish Politics

by David Ferreira

Since the 15M movement, the Spanish political terrain has been irreversibly shaken up. From the Podemos surge to the recent success left-wing municipal platforms, new forces have put the old guard on the back foot. The general election will take place before the end of the year, but the result is far from a foregone conclusion. In this guest essay, David Ferreira explores the options.

6 Reflections on the Spanish Elections

by David Ferreira

New electoral expressions emerging from the indignados movements made a big splash in last weekend's Spanish municipal elections - most notably in the right-wing base Madrid, and in Barcelona where an anti-evictions activist was elected mayor.