Catalan crisis raises pressure on regional government

Subject

Unrest in Catalonia.

Significance

The recent unrest in Catalonia triggered by the sentencing to prison of nine pro-independence leaders threatens the survival of Quim Torra’s Catalan government, which has underpinned the Catalan independence challenge since 2018. There are now signs of realignment and convergence of forces, some within the coalition government and others in opposition to it.

Impacts

• A Socialist majority in Spain’s November 10 election is the only outcome that might facilitate dialogue between Barcelona and Madrid.
• If disruptive unrest persists, Barcelona may become a stronger ‘hot spot’ for action by anti-system forces from outside the region.
• The tourist industry faces damage if the unrest persists, which would negatively affect Catalonia’s property market.