The last nostalgic of sociovergence
BarcelonaThe Círculo de Economía Conference has been a haven for years for those nostalgic for the sociovergencia, an alliance we could define as a radical center that has never governed as such in the Generalitat, but which during the Pujol/Maragall administrations functioned as a complete system with its different spheres of influence (state, national, and municipal). Let's be clear, Catalan businessmen still like Salvador Illa and prefer Pedro Sánchez in the Moncloa Palace to Alberto Núñez Feijóo, but what they can't stand are his partners. And many don't hide a certain frustration. A representative of the real estate sector, for example, is particularly complaining about the rhetoric the Socialists, in Madrid and Barcelona, have adopted toward their apartment owners. "They are criminalizing them, and that is a mistake," he states before admitting what he would really like: "For us, the best thing would be an understanding between the Socialists and Junts, but it is very difficult with Puigdemont, very difficult," he states laconically.
Another veteran of the conference is outraged by the second vice president, Yolanda Díaz, whom he calls insulting for her remarks about the takeover bid. "Saying this publicly [that the takeover bid should be vetoed] as the vice president shows that she has no idea," he argues, "because what the Spanish government should do is veto it with some formula, but with the utmost discretion," he concludes.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo also appears in some conversations, but it's mainly to lament his lack of internal leadership. "Tomorrow he'll come, make a pro-autonomist speech to look good, and by the time he gets to Zaragoza, he'll have forgotten," someone comments, recalling what happened the first year he participated in the conference. Listening to the Catalan business community, you can see how much they want and how much they hurt. They would like a socio-convergence that isn't there, nor is it expected. And otherwise, a PP government with a regional sensitivity like Feijóo's wouldn't hurt either, but they know that Ayuso and Vox make that equation impossible. At least they breathe a sigh of relief because in Catalonia the island peace (of Salvador Illa) has been established, while the tension that previously existed here with the Proceso has now moved to Madrid, where the Ayuso-supporting right and the far right live in a civil war climate. Someone in contact with his Spanish counterparts in the sector confesses that he's surprised by the level of hatred Sánchez inspires in them. "It's very visceral," he admits.
Ribera and boredom
On the other hand, Sánchez, when he comes to the Cercle, feels right at home. In fact, Catalonia may be the politically friendliest territory for him right now. From the podium, he congratulates Salvador Illa on his birthday and at one point speaks of Catalonia and Spain as "extraordinary countries." Shortly afterward, but in a different setting, the College of Journalists, the Vice President of the European Commission, Teresa Ribera, participates in a colloquium organized by the Association of European Journalists. There, she unravels a theory that fits perfectly with her nature (and perhaps also with Salvador Illa's). "The world is now discovering, thanks to Trumpism, that being boring, predictable, and with clear rules, like Europe, has its appeal," she declares. Boredom as an economic value. This is a possible motto for next year's Círculo Conference, and one that Isla would applaud.
