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Spain Socialists win Catalan vote as separatists lose ground

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The recent regional election in Catalonia marked a significant shift in the political landscape, with the Socialists, led by Salvador Illa, emerging victorious with 42 seats. This success contrasted with a drop in support for independence to 42%, down from 49% in 2017, signaling a setback for pro-independence parties.

Despite the Socialist victory, forming a government may prove challenging, as coalition negotiations are necessary. The fragmented nature of the Catalan parliament, divided by unionist-separatist allegiances and left-right divisions, is likely to prolong post-election discussions.

The amnesty law, a contentious issue benefiting nationalists and championed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government, played a pivotal role in securing support. However, it has faced criticism, particularly from opponents on the right, for its perceived leniency towards separatist activities.

Calls for unity among pro-independence parties have emerged, but the complexity of the political landscape suggests that negotiations will be intricate. Despite former regional president Carles Puigdemont’s suggestion for a coalition between pro-independence parties, the path to forming a government remains uncertain.

Additionally, the election saw gains for the conservative People’s Party and the far-right Vox, while the centrist Ciudadanos lost all representation in the parliament. A new far-right party, Catalan Alliance, also secured two seats, further diversifying the political spectrum in Catalonia.

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Austrian heiress Marlene Engelhorn announces plan for €25m giveaway

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Marlene Engelhorn, a 31-year-old Austro-German heiress residing in Vienna, is taking a unique approach to wealth redistribution. Inheriting a substantial fortune from her grandmother, Traudl Engelhorn-Vechiatto, who was valued at $4.2 billion, Marlene aims to address the inequality exacerbated by the absence of inheritance tax in Austria since 2008. Motivated by a sense of responsibility, she has initiated the Good Council for Redistribution, inviting 10,000 randomly selected Austrians over 16 to participate in deciding how €25 million of her inheritance should be allocated.

The Good Council for Redistribution seeks to assemble a diverse group of 50 individuals, spanning various age groups, federal states, social classes, and backgrounds. This citizen-led initiative, supported by the Foresight Institute, aims to foster inclusivity and collaborative decision-making. Participants will engage in a series of meetings held in Salzburg from March to June, where they will work with academics and civil society organizations to explore and develop solutions beneficial to society as a whole.

The unique aspect of this initiative lies in its commitment to inclusivity and fairness. The meetings will be barrier-free, offering childcare and interpreters as needed. Participants will receive financial compensation of €1,200 for every weekend they attend, recognizing the value of their contributions. Marlene Engelhorn emphasizes that she is entrusting her assets to the chosen council without holding veto rights, demonstrating a genuine commitment to involving citizens in the decision-making process.

Despite the initiative’s noble intentions, Austria’s stance on inheritance tax remains a contentious issue. The abolished tax, in place for 16 years, has drawn criticism, with the Social Democrats advocating for its reinstatement. However, the conservative People’s Party, currently the senior partner in Austria’s coalition government with the Greens, rejects this proposal, emphasizing their commitment to reducing taxes and increasing citizens’ net income. The future of wealth redistribution in Austria, both through citizen initiatives and potential policy changes, remains a topic of ongoing debate.

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Spanish fury at Pedro Sánchez’ controversial amnesty plan for power

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Protests led by right-wing groups against Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have escalated in violence, underscoring the tensions surrounding his push for a contentious amnesty law. Approximately 7,000 demonstrators converged outside the headquarters of Sánchez’s Socialist party in Madrid on Tuesday. The Prime Minister is striving to secure an investiture vote that would enable him to form a new government and avert a potential snap election.

To attain parliamentary support, Sánchez must enlist the backing of Catalan separatists. The demonstrations in Madrid, along with other cities, have grown increasingly aggressive, with 29 police officers and 10 protestors sustaining injuries during Tuesday night’s clashes. Sánchez took to social media to assert, “They will not break the Socialist Party.”

Following the failure of the conservative People’s Party (PP) leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo to establish a government in September, Sánchez, who came second in the July general election, is on the verge of securing adequate parliamentary support for a coalition government with the left-wing alliance Sumar.

To gain the support of Catalan parties, Sánchez has agreed to an amnesty for several hundred Catalan politicians and activists facing legal action related to the failed secession attempt in 2017. This move has faced intense criticism, with opponents accusing Sánchez of jeopardizing Spain’s unity and manipulating the amnesty for political survival.

The opposition, particularly the far-right Vox party, has vehemently opposed the amnesty, calling for continued protests and urging the police to defy ‘illegal’ orders. Despite internal support within the Socialist Party, several senior members, including former Prime Minister Felipe González, have spoken out against the initiative, emphasizing its potential to disrupt social harmony in Spain. A division has also emerged within the judiciary, reflecting the deep political polarization over the amnesty.

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