Choosing the Iberians of 2012
Iberosphere has drawn up its annual list of people of the year in Spain and Portugal. This is how we went about it…
Iberosphere has drawn up its annual list of people of the year in Spain and Portugal. This is how we went about it…
Fuelled by the economic meltdown, the wave of pro-independence fervour in Catalonia became Spain’s most prominent political issue in 2012. At its crest stands Artur Mas. In germinating the seeds that could one day blossom into a new Iberian state, Mas, for better or for worse, has been the most prominent Iberian of the Year.
Fuelled by the economic meltdown, the wave of pro-independence fervour in Catalonia became Spain’s most prominent political issue in 2012. At its crest stands Artur Mas.
The Catalan premier’s poor showing in regional elections is a major setback for his separatist plans. But Mas’s manoeuvring over the last three months has brought independence into the mainstream.
Catalan premier Artur Mas explains in English his plans regarding independence from Spain. He will seek reelection in a regional poll on November 25 and a mandate to hold a referendum on Catalonia breaking away from Spain.
The growing distance between Catalonia and the rest of Spain is becoming problematic, and could now be considered one of the most important tail risks facing the euro. When Spain finally asks the EU for a rescue, Europe’s leaders must use the opportunity to promote dialogue and search for viable solutions.