This Week in Politics
Catalan Regional Election
The Spanish region of Catalonia, famed for its independence and separatist movement, has held a regional election. The national Socialist Party of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made major gains, mustering 42 seats (9 more than last election) in a parliament of 135 and a swing of 5%. The party's strongest areas were Barcelona and Tarragona outside the region's capital. Whilst the Together for Catalonia, a centre-right to right-wing group, garnered 35 seats (3 more than in 2021), the party is led by Carles Puigdemont; a famed Catalonian separatist who has had much trouble with the law yet remains a prominent figure in regional and European (he sits as an MEP in Brussels) politics. His party become the largest independence party due to the leftist ECR seeing a vote share collapse. The ECR lost 13 seats landing at an uncomfortably low 20 seats. The national People's Party made the election's largest gains, winning 5 times the seats as last time, 15 seats. Far-right VOX stayed put at 11 seats, whilst other smaller Catalonian separatist parties made losses. The far-right Catalan Alliance entered the parliament, winning 2 seats. The Citizens Party, once a dominant national force, collapsed receiving no votes. Citizens reflect the struggling circumstance European liberals find themselves in, all over the continent Renew Europe party members are falling. Whether it be Venstre in Denmark, the VVD in the Netherlands or the FDP in Germany.
Angela Alsobrooks Wins Historic Senate Primary in Maryland
Angela Alsobrooks made history this week; becoming the first black woman to receive the Maryland Democrats' nomination to the Senate. She defeated a wealthy self-funded campaign, winning in Maryland's largest cities, such as Baltimore and Annapolis, by wide margins alongside Prince George's County, where the bulk of her support derives. This primary was among the fiercest in the nation, for the Senate and within the Democratic Party. Ms Alsobrooks is the incumbent Executive of Prince George's County and the result suggests she is popular, something that could translate into votes in November. She's set to square off against Larry Hogan a former popular governor of the state. Mr Hogan can count on a better possibility of winning considering his record, however, Ms Alsobrooks is a formidable challenger with wide support in one of the state's most populous counties. Moreover, cities such as Baltimore and Annapolis contribute a large electorate often prone to supporting Democrats, urbanites. Places like Baltimore received a total of more than 70,000 votes in the Democratic primary, whilst the Republican primary could not muster even 4,000 votes. The Democratic primary in Maryland is in general larger than the Republican counterpart, meaning that Alsobrooks has a leg up. Though she should not dare be complacent, Mr Logan is a substantial threat with political experience in a deep blue state.
Biden Introduces New Tariffs
In a punch at China President Biden's Administration has introduced a new tariff scheme, yet the goal remains the same. The president wants the act to protect American manufacturers, by artificially allowing them to compete head-to-head with foreign producers. EVs and Solar Panels were among the things affected by the new tariff. The move is an attempt at convincing voters that Biden is tuff on China alongside looking pro-manufacturing. Tariffs increase prices according to Goldman Sachs. Biden has in the past stated:
"Trump doesn’t get the basics. He thinks his tariffs are being paid by China. Any freshman econ student could tell you that the American people are paying his tariffs." Biden on X in 2019.
Public opinion is swaying Biden, this policy is about convincing voters he is the right choice. However, price chocks would not help his cause unless he can build the perception that it helps America. No matter the future, this marks a shift in the White House which will affect the entire world.
