[J Aguilar]

Guess which two autonomous regions voted overwhelming for the Socialist Zapatero in the last National Elections, beyond the heavily subsidized Andalucia...

The Regional Nationalism conflict in Spain is often portrayed as a continuation of the emancipation process of the Spanish colonies, as if Catalonia and the Basque region were territories "oppresed", struggling to survive. However, the facts are simply the contrary. Spain is composed by 15 colonies and two metropolis that enjoy a far better standard of life, and which defend that inequality, inherited from Franco's days, through external propaganda and internal violence, when necessary.

[3AngelaD]

Y que opina el rey?

[marron]

It would have been easier for all concerned if Spain had adopted federalism in 1978. That would have set clear rules and aligned responsibilities for taxing and spending. The Senate could have become a place where the regions were formally represented and could settle their differences, akin to Germany’s Bundesrat.

In the end this may be what must happen.

In the meantime Spain must muddle on.

Muddling through is good. Its how most intractable problems get solved. It may take a few generations, but in the life of a country, there is no hurry.

[Ken H]

THE hardest problem for the authors of Spain's democratic constitution...

Nobody expects the Spanish Constitution!