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Concordia Virtual Convening with Pablo Casado

Wednesday  December 20th

On October 27, 2017, Catalonia declared independence from Spain. The region, which is home to more than 7 million people and accounts for 20 percent of the Spanish national economy, has sought independence many times over the past 300 years. This guided discussion will cover factors feeding into some of the region’s quest for independence, Article 155, the current political relationship between Madrid and Barcelona, and the factors that make this election different from those in the past, and what it could mean for the future of Catalonia, Spain, and the wider region.

The regional elections taking place on December 21 will be an important indicator of the momentum of the pro-independence movements, as well as sentiments regarding Carles Puigdemont, the now-deposed president of Catalonia and leader of the pro-independence movement.

“BEFORE THINKING ABOUT YOUR OWN IDENTITY, YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE GLOBAL WORLD AND HOW TO KEEP YOUR OWN IDENTITY BY SUMMING UP WITH THE REST OF YOUR COUNTRY.”

 

Event SUMMARY

On Wednesday December 20, Concordia hosted a virtual convening featuring Pablo Casado, Spokesperson of the governing Partido Popular, Congressman, and Vice Chairman of the European Affairs Committee, to discuss Catalonia’s quest for independence ahead of the regional elections taking place on December 21.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Casado spoke about the political landscape in Spain, where globalization and nationalism are driving a wedge in the current governing framework of Catalonia. He identified three points that he believes have motivated some Catalans to seek independence:

 

  • Economic crisis
  • Corruption
  • Changes in political party structures

 

Matt Swift, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Concordia, guided the conversation to cover parallels with Brexit, the rise of populist movements, Catalonia’s relationship with the EU, and private sector investment in the region.

Mr. Casado also delved into the economic implications that a vote for secession could have.

“The results of this process have been dramatic…they (Catalonia) were promising that they would have more investment. The investment has gone down 75% percent in the last year. 3,000 companies have just run away from Catalonia in the last year,” Mr. Casado said.

Going into the elections on December 21, Mr. Casado, said that “We have to make clear that our central government has to defend their common rights.”

 

LOGISTICS

Discussion led by:

Pablo Casado Blanco, Spokesperson of the governing Partido Popular; Congressman; and Vice Chairman of the European Affairs Committee

Maria Correa, Senior Director of Strategic Engagement, Concordia

Matthew Swift, Co-Founder, Chairman, & CEO, Concordia

 

Agenda:

5 minutes:     Housekeeping Items / Zoom

5 minutes:     Introduction by Maria Correa

20 minutes:   Moderated discussion with Pablo Casado and Matthew Swift  

30 minutes:   Open Q&A session

For more information or to learn about becoming a Concordia Member, please contact: membership@concordia.net