Op-ed: Catalonia drops the euphemisms

Andreu Mas-Colell gave a clear example yesterday. Without speaking in euphemisms, the economic advisory for the Catalonian government openly asked the Spanish government to modify legal frameworks so that regional governments can enact measures such as healthcare service co-pays or the introduction of an infrastructure design similar to the model used by other European countries.

Regional governments are requires to meet their deficit goals, but they won't be able to do that if they only make spending cutbacks without making structural reforms as well. Getting out of the current situation requires the courage to call things as they are.

We also need to explain clearly what needs to be done at home and what has gone into effect in other countries in Europe without resorting to demagoguery.