There were deep tensions about a renewed push for independence and the Pujol scandal leading up to the meeting between Prime Minister Rajoy and Catalonia leader Artur Mas. Fortunately, there were no train wrecks as many had hoped. Instead, we saw intelligence, a willingness to negotiate and solid intentions to resolve a conflict that nobody is interested in. Not the Spanish. Not the Catalonians.
Both Presidents came ready to talk. Rajoy offered to engage in a "serious and lawful" collaboration, although he was smart to remain firm and warned that Catalonia's tax proposals violate the Spanish Constitution. Mas relaxed his ambitions to separate from Spain during two long hours of negotiation. Talking and finding solutions through dialogue is key, and both parties are showing a willingness to do that. Somewhat related, Mas brought other important topics to the table, such as infrastructure, education and public services. He was very detailed. Neither leader slammed the door on the other's ideas, which means that they will likely have more constructive talks and reach a crossroad on November 9. The referendum will still be a lost point, but Rajoy is wrong if he believes that he can leverage the Pujol scandal to turn the page on Mas.
The government should think seriously about how important the talks between Rajoy and Mas are at this time, but they should not risk solidarity in Spain for an instant. Hopefully, the positive dialogue will continue.
