Catalonia's new government: the end of separatism?
The new Catalan regional government under the Socialist Salvador Illa has been sworn in. By promising "fiscal sovereignty" and to strengthen the Catalan language, Illa and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez managed to secure the support of the moderate separatist party ERC. The central government's amnesty law had already done much to ease the tensions. The national press heaves a sigh of relief, mixed with concern.
They won't cause trouble for a while
El Mundo notes with satisfaction that the Catalan separatists have been weakened:
“They will have a hard time getting back on their feet: they are in the midst of a leadership and strategy crisis and Catalan society has no desire to challenge the state again. The experience was bitter for the vast majority. ... Another factor that should prevent us from being pessimistic is that even though he has adopted a good part of the [left-wing nationalist] ERC's programme, Illa will not be a regional presidentwho is disloyal to the state and the constitution.”
Clarify regional finances
El País fears there will be jealousy among the Socialists:
“The PSOE will have to pay the political price for this turnaround, in the other autonomous communities, within the party and in parliament. In the pact with the ERC, Illa agreed to promote a reform of the financing system that gives Catalonia control over all taxes in the region. ... Several Socialist barons have already announced their firm opposition to this. ... If the central government doesn't start to make an intensive effort to clarify the financing project for Catalonia and its impact on the overall model, the regional clamour will intensify.”
Now everyone can relax
It's time to relax now, says eldiario.es:
“Salvador Illa's taking office has already had an initial positive impact, which is being redistributed across the entire Iberian Peninsula without privileges or exclusions: so we can all go on holiday now. ... The newly elected president has started appointing ministers, Carles Puigdemont has returned to Waterloo to play with his cat. ... This is called normality, and it has no side effects. You just have to know how to enjoy it without stress, without tormenting yourself with the thought that it could end at any moment.”