Bloomberg, the US financial media company, the most important in the world of economics, has today dedicated an editorial to a strong criticism of Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy's handling of the political crisis in Catalonia, positioning themselves against imposing article 155 of the Spanish Constitution and "[suspending] the region's autonomy". In the article, entitled "Madrid Should Give Persuasion One More Try", Bloomberg's editorial board says that "Crushing Catalan separatism isn't the answer. There's a better way".
The company opposes the "[imposition of] direct rule" even though Rajoy has "Spain's constitution, its highest court, opposition parties, other regional leaders and European allies all on his side". Based on this, they argue that if "this were no more than a contest of strength, then, Rajoy couldn't lose -- but it isn't that simple. He should be aiming to win the argument, not crush a rebellion". The authors believe that "victory by force won't reconcile Catalonia to remaining part of Spain". They think that Rajoy should turn to negotiations "without preconditions", revoking his deadlines.
According to Bloomberg, Catalan president Carles Puigdemont can't claim the right to independence based on the 1st October referendum, "but that doesn't alter the fact that many Catalans desire independence, or at least greater autonomy". They continue that "moving to stamp out that sentiment will only inflame it".
The editors are sceptical about the viability of Madrid calling regional elections, asking "what if angry Catalans just elect a new slate of separatists?" Noting that "separatists have been rallying public support" since 2006, they argue that "the cycle has to be broken -- by persuasion".
Bloomberg, analysing Rajoy's motivations, concludes that he is an "old-fashioned Spanish conservative whose political base is calling for a tough approach". In their opinion, he is facing two challenges: first, to "persuade Catalans that their best future is with Spain" and second, "to bring the rest of the country to a more accommodating resolution of the dispute". "Spain is likely to win this struggle in the short term -- but it may have cause to regret it later."