What Spain’s political crisis means for Catalan independence
Ousting of tough-talking PM Mariano Rajoy expected to reignite separatist dreams

Mariano Rajoy has become the first prime minister in Spain’s history to be removed from office after losing a no-confidence motion, plunging the country into political uncertainty.
The motion passed by four votes in the Spanish parliament on Friday, amid a corruption scandal that has plagued Rajoy’s People’s Party. The defeat forced the centre-right Prime Minister to hand over the reins to Pedro Sanchez, leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE).
Sanchez has pledged to hold elections at an unspecified future date, but in the meantime the Catalan crisis will surely be near the top of the interim leader’s to-do list.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What is the situation in Catalonia?
The ousting of Rajoy comes as Catalonia also grapples with political upheaval.
The region’s autonomy has been suspended following the unauthorised independence referendum in October last year.
Deposed leader Carles Puigdemont, currently under arrest in Germany, faces sedition charges if he returns to Spain, and efforts to replace him have sparked further controvery.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
On 14 May, almost seven months after Puigdemont fled his homeland, Catalan MPs elected ultra-nationalist firebrand Quim Torra as the region’s new president.
Despite misgivings over his virulent anti-Spanish rhetoric, Torra has “named a cabinet without detained or exiled former ministers, paving the way for Madrid to end its direct rule over the northeastern region”, says news site The Local.
Where does Sanchez stand on Catalonia?
Even at the height of the referendum crisis, Rajoy refused to engage with the possibility of Catalan independence, and it appears that - in spite of their other political differences - Sanchez intends to follow his predecessor’s course.
During a no-confidence debate on Thursday, Sanchez said he hoped for a “dialogue” with the Catalan government, but stressed that any negotiations would have to abide by the Spanish Constitution, which enshrines the “indissoluble unity” of the nation.
However, with just 84 PSOE deputies in Spain’s 350-seat parliament, maintaining that stance may prove difficult.
To pass the no-confidence vote, Sanchez relied on the support of left-wing parties Unidos Podemos and EH Bildu, Catalan nationalists ERC and PDeCAT, and the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) - all of whom are in favour of self-determination for Catalonia.
As Madrid-based newspaper El Pais says: “Can Sanchez aspire to manage the Catalan crisis from a minority position within his own parliamentary coalition, while a minority within the pro-Constitution bloc itself? It will be difficult.”
Indeed, irrespective of what Sanchez may want to do on the Catalonia issue, the harsh reality is that he may not be able to do anything at all.
As head of a minority government with no popular mandate, the interim PM’s time in office “is unlikely to yield profound changes”, says The Guardian.
-
The party bringing Trump-style populism to Japan
Under The Radar Far-right party is ‘Rise of Sanseito is ‘shattering’ the belief that Japan is ‘immune’ to populism’ the belief that Japan is ‘immune’ to populism
-
Southern barbecue: This year’s top three
Feature A weekend-only restaurant, a 90-year-old pitmaster, and more
-
Film reviews: Anemone and The Smashing Machine
Feature A recluse receives an unwelcome guest and a pioneering UFC fighter battles addiction
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Israel and the Gaza flotilla
The Explainer Activists fear loss of life after blaming Israel for drone attacks on ships
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
Rise of the far-right: what’s behind the popularity of Vox in Spain?
The Explainer Disillusioned younger voters are being drawn to Santiago Abascal’s party
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come