A year of uncertainty is too much time for a recovering economy. Experts consulted by elEconomista on the repercussions of the plan that Artur Mas has for Catalonia to sucede from Spain think that the plan came at the worst possible time for the Spanish economy, which is starting to recover in baby steps. The economy is still vulnerable, and fears are centered on the possibility that the efforts to break away from Spain are a front for avoiding making necessary reforms.
For now, Catalonia has stopped talking about economic problems in order to focus all conversations on Independence. Secession is a distraction, however, that alienates citizens from everyday problems by clouding them with a storm of bigger and more difficult issues. Coincidentally, the independence effort is a catch all for hiding most of Catlonia´s deeper problems.
For the national government, the idea is to to determine how much money regions can spend and start negotiatioins after tax reforms are completed and we know more about how much revenue will be coming in. Political talks are needed now. Any decisions will need to align with changes to how the regional governments finance themselves and lessen the chance or impact of future conflicto.
Even though experts think that secession is unlikely, we should not trivialize the issue or let it linger. Rajoy should lead talks that drive toward a solution and take the necessary steps to clear up doubts as soon as possible. This way, we can mitigate damage to our economy and society.
