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Spain

Pro-independence Catalan vote deepens crisis of the Spanish state

Chris Bambery analyses the Catalonia election which put pro-independence parties ahead of unionists, the crisis for Madrid and the challenges ahead for the left
The Dawning of the Apocalypse: The Roots of Slavery, White Supremacy, Settler Colonialism, and Capitalism in the Long Sixteenth Century - book review

Horne’s history of early colonialism in the Americas reveals how structures of racism were constructed to support the development of capitalism, finds Jamal Elaheebocus
The violence of the Spanish state

Felipe González, ETA and the death squads, by Chris Bambery
Coronavirus: a test for Europe

The pandemic is proving to be a test for European solidarity and is adding strain to an already fragile EU, argues Alan McGuire from Madrid
George Orwell’s Homage to Catalonia: books that made me a socialist

Jacqueline Mulhallen selects a triumph of twentieth-century reportage
Lockdown reading on revolution: some novels set in times of great upheaval

Lindsey German's pick of novels set in revolutionary times
A People Betrayed - book review

Paul Preston’s A People Betrayed is a searing and thorough account of how the Spanish state developed with corruption endemic to its functioning, finds Chris Bambery
Huge numbers join Catalonia's general strike for freedom

Hundreds of thousands marched in Barcelona and around the territory today in defence of democracy and their right to independence, reports Chris Bambery
Civil liberties in Spain? The clampdown against the Catalan independence movement

The sentences handed out to the Catalan leaders shows the lengths the Spanish state will go to to maintain its control of Catalonia, argues Chris Bambery
Flawed transition: why the Spanish state is repressing the Catalan independence movement

Chris Bambery explains that Spanish repression of the Catalan independence movement, and the impending trial of its leaders, is rooted in the concessions made to right-wing nationalism in aftermath of Franco’s dictatorship
Sails and Winds: A Cultural History of Valencia - book review

Michael Eaude’s history of Valencia reveals much about the Spanish state’s hard line against aspirations for independence or simply greater autonomy, argues Chris Bambery
Ten things they don't tell you about D-Day

As the commemorations of the 75 year anniversary of D-Day take place, Lindsey German reminds us of the truth about the end of the Second World War
Spanish election: the left win but society polarises

The Socialist Party has won the most seats in Spain's parliament but falls short of a majority amidst gainst made by the far right, writes Chris Bambery
Far-right terrorists and the meaning of the Battle of Tours

Interpretations of history elaborating and glorifying religious struggle have fed far-right narratives, argues Elaine Graham-Leigh
Europe in turmoil: what to expect in 2019

Chris Bambery explores European political economy and what developments of the last twelve months can lead us to expect about the year ahead
Dead-End Lives: Drugs and Violence in the City Shadows - book review

A study of poverty and drug addiction in the slums outside Madrid reveals the callous and destructive nature of the neoliberal city, argues Chris Bambery
Why fascists hate trade unions

Fascists hate unions because they are a vehicle for working class power. The past can inform our fight today, argues Chris Bambery
Spanish women take to the streets to demand justice for women and an end to male violence

The acquittal in Pamplona is not an isolated case. Women are taking to the streets and demanding justice, reports Steph Pike
Catalonia kicks off - in images - street revolt meets police attacks

Major revolt is underway after the Spanish state imprisoned a further 5 ex-ministers (total = 9) and issued European Arrest Warrants on 6 others in exile, inc. the ex-President
Catalan Spring? Resistance fills the streets as ex-President arrested in Germany

Marching on the motorways and confronting police violence, the mass movement has returned with a new defiance, reports Jack Sherwood
Not One Step Back: Catalonia rises in protest as 5 ex-ministers imprisoned

Escalating repression by the Spanish state has sparked huge anger and an appetite for militant action, reports Mathew Barton from Tarragona
What's happening in Catalonia is an assault on democracy

As the wave of repression from the Spanish state continues, Catalonia needs our solidarity now more than ever, argues Chris Bambery
'If women stop, the world stops': a view from the mass women’s strike in Spain

After huge strikes and protests in Spain, the message on the ground is to stay in the streets
We need real solutions, not tickboxing and tokenism

Jeremy Hunt saying that the NHS doesn't need more funding suggests his idea of a solution is more unpaid labour for working class women argues Kevin Ovenden
Catalonia needs a grassroots mobilisation for the Republic

In the new year, supporters of independence need to build a mass movement in Catalonia and solidarity across Europe
Catalan independence forces win majority

Pro-independence parties in Catalonia have won the majority of seats in yesterday's election. Jack Sherwood explains what this means and what the movement should now be doing.
“Building a Republic from the bottom up”: A view from the Catalan left - interview with Quim Arrufat

Covering the independence struggle in Catalonia from the ground, Jack Sherwood interviewed a leading figure of what looks to be the fifth party at Thursday’s elections, the anticapitalist CUP
A country imprisoned: elections offer Catalans a chance to 'free themselves'

Enacting a Republic to break from Spanish state repression is close on the horizon for the movement, and there is evidence that mobilisation can reach new heights, reports Jack Sherwood from Barcelona
Why socialists should support Catalonia

The national question has returned to mainland Europe and we have to choose a side, argues Dragan Plavšić
Catalonia: resistance lights the path to victory

Saturday’s stunning demonstration was the largest since the referendum, and mass disobedience and community organising lay behind it
Crisis in Catalonia - live updates

Live updates of the fast-moving situation in Catalonia
Catalonia: a reading list

As the Catalan crisis grows, Chris Bambery provides a comprehensive reading list to understand more about it's history
We are the Republic: Catalans back on the streets for freedom

As the Catalan government stand immobilised and imprisoned, the base of the movement has taken the lead with a “week of struggle” and general strike ahead, reports Jack Woodvale
A simple question: Catalonia wants independence from Spain

We must understand the relationship of Catalonia to Spain if we want to comprehend its desire for independence
The EU and Catalonia: A non-epic tale of hypocrisy, hand-wringing, and getting it wrong

EU policy combines un-masterly inactivity with bias towards Madrid and contempt for international law
Ten arguments around Catalan independence

As the crisis in Catalonia escalates, Chris Bambery takes on some of the arguments being made against Catalan independence.
Catalonia: a test case for Europe - and the left - weekly briefing

Democracy and the national question are pivotal issues in today’s Europe, argues Lindsey German
Catalan independence: made in the streets

The victory for the Catalan people in declaring themselves an independent republic has come from working class organisation in the streets argues Jack Sherwood
Counterfire Resolution: Solidarity with the Republic of Catalonia

On Friday 27th October the Catalonian parliament declared independence from the Spanish state, following the referendum on October 1st. Our response
Catalonia: no independence without disobedience

As the Madrid government threatens direct rule in Catalonia, Jack Sherwood reports on the situation in Barcelona.
Theresa May's government is busy doing nothing, but we're still suffering - weekly briefing

The ruling party of the ruling class may be in limbo but our side has no time to lose, argues Lindsey German
Catalonia Waiting

The mass movement can create an independent Catalonia and must be supported across Europe, argues Chris Bambery
The Spanish state has ensured Catalonia's exit

Further repression will only radicalise the situation in Catalonia further, argues Chris Bambery
Catalonia: why paper won against rock

A report on the grassroot organising of the referendum for Catalan independence
Catalonia: a new state is being born

With a new Catalan state emerging, people across Europe can start talking about what sort of Europe we want
Solidarity with the people of Catalonia

In response to the violent repression of the Catalan independence referendum, Counterfire has put out this resolution
What is wrong with Spain?

The response of the Spanish state to the independence referendum in Catalonia is the most recent expression of a history of brutality
Protestors in London show support for Catalan independence referendum

After the crackdown by the Spanish government, demonstrators demand that Catalonia be allowed to decide its own future
Catalonia: the referendum must go ahead

Attempts to sabotage and prevent the upcoming referendum in Catalonia carry echoes of Spain's Francoist past, argues Chris Bambery
The Blitz and the Spanish Civil War: ways of remembering the past

How to commemorate the victims of fascism in Britain and Spain is a tricky question, writes Chris Bambery
Catalonia must have the right to self-determination

What's going on in Catalonia? Chris Bambery investigates
We are a nation. We decide: Catalonia calling

The aftershocks of Franco's Spain are re-emerging and clashing with 21st-century tensions, notes Chris Bambery
Podemos alliance on the verge of power?

Europe is about to be shaken by another political earthquake as Podemos is predicted to become Spain's second party writes Alastair Stephens
United the left can win in Spain

A left government in Madrid would shake the whole neoliberal structure of the EU
Podemos blows a wind of change through the Spanish parliament

The first day of the new parliament was one of high drama and low deals, writes Alastair Stephens
Podemos comeback has broken the Spanish deadlock

The result of the Spanish election is a major breakthrough for the left in Spain and beyond
And yet it moves: Europe's long crisis

The financial crisis and the subsequent imposition of austerity has led to a deep polarisation of European politics, writes Alastair Stephens
Marshland: Life, death, redemption

A recently released Spanish thriller casts light on the country’s compromised transition to democracy. Marshland by Alberto Rodríguez is reviewed by Jim Aindow
Podemos backs Jeremy Corbyn's candidacy for Labour leader

Spanish anti-austerity party Podemos have issue the following statement backing Jeremy Corbyn for Labour leader
Waiting for the third republic, still!

Sofia Typaladou on the crisis of the Spanish monarchy

Spain

Spain

Chris Bambery analyses the Catalonia election which put pro-independence parties ahead of unionists, the crisis for Madrid and the challenges ahead for the left

Horne’s history of early colonialism in the Americas reveals how structures of racism were constructed to support the development of capitalism, finds Jamal Elaheebocus

Felipe González, ETA and the death squads, by Chris Bambery

The pandemic is proving to be a test for European solidarity and is adding strain to an already fragile EU, argues Alan McGuire from Madrid

Jacqueline Mulhallen selects a triumph of twentieth-century reportage

Lindsey German's pick of novels set in revolutionary times

Paul Preston’s A People Betrayed is a searing and thorough account of how the Spanish state developed with corruption endemic to its functioning, finds Chris Bambery

Hundreds of thousands marched in Barcelona and around the territory today in defence of democracy and their right to independence, reports Chris Bambery

The sentences handed out to the Catalan leaders shows the lengths the Spanish state will go to to maintain its control of Catalonia, argues Chris Bambery

Chris Bambery explains that Spanish repression of the Catalan independence movement, and the impending trial of its leaders, is rooted in the concessions made to right-wing nationalism in aftermath of Franco’s dictatorship

Michael Eaude’s history of Valencia reveals much about the Spanish state’s hard line against aspirations for independence or simply greater autonomy, argues Chris Bambery

As the commemorations of the 75 year anniversary of D-Day take place, Lindsey German reminds us of the truth about the end of the Second World War

The Socialist Party has won the most seats in Spain's parliament but falls short of a majority amidst gainst made by the far right, writes Chris Bambery

Interpretations of history elaborating and glorifying religious struggle have fed far-right narratives, argues Elaine Graham-Leigh

Chris Bambery explores European political economy and what developments of the last twelve months can lead us to expect about the year ahead

A study of poverty and drug addiction in the slums outside Madrid reveals the callous and destructive nature of the neoliberal city, argues Chris Bambery

Fascists hate unions because they are a vehicle for working class power. The past can inform our fight today, argues Chris Bambery

The acquittal in Pamplona is not an isolated case. Women are taking to the streets and demanding justice, reports Steph Pike

Major revolt is underway after the Spanish state imprisoned a further 5 ex-ministers (total = 9) and issued European Arrest Warrants on 6 others in exile, inc. the ex-President

Marching on the motorways and confronting police violence, the mass movement has returned with a new defiance, reports Jack Sherwood

Escalating repression by the Spanish state has sparked huge anger and an appetite for militant action, reports Mathew Barton from Tarragona

As the wave of repression from the Spanish state continues, Catalonia needs our solidarity now more than ever, argues Chris Bambery

After huge strikes and protests in Spain, the message on the ground is to stay in the streets

Jeremy Hunt saying that the NHS doesn't need more funding suggests his idea of a solution is more unpaid labour for working class women argues Kevin Ovenden

In the new year, supporters of independence need to build a mass movement in Catalonia and solidarity across Europe

Pro-independence parties in Catalonia have won the majority of seats in yesterday's election. Jack Sherwood explains what this means and what the movement should now be doing.

Covering the independence struggle in Catalonia from the ground, Jack Sherwood interviewed a leading figure of what looks to be the fifth party at Thursday’s elections, the anticapitalist CUP

Enacting a Republic to break from Spanish state repression is close on the horizon for the movement, and there is evidence that mobilisation can reach new heights, reports Jack Sherwood from Barcelona

The national question has returned to mainland Europe and we have to choose a side, argues Dragan Plavšić

Saturday’s stunning demonstration was the largest since the referendum, and mass disobedience and community organising lay behind it

Live updates of the fast-moving situation in Catalonia

As the Catalan crisis grows, Chris Bambery provides a comprehensive reading list to understand more about it's history

As the Catalan government stand immobilised and imprisoned, the base of the movement has taken the lead with a “week of struggle” and general strike ahead, reports Jack Woodvale

We must understand the relationship of Catalonia to Spain if we want to comprehend its desire for independence

EU policy combines un-masterly inactivity with bias towards Madrid and contempt for international law

As the crisis in Catalonia escalates, Chris Bambery takes on some of the arguments being made against Catalan independence.

Democracy and the national question are pivotal issues in today’s Europe, argues Lindsey German

The victory for the Catalan people in declaring themselves an independent republic has come from working class organisation in the streets argues Jack Sherwood

On Friday 27th October the Catalonian parliament declared independence from the Spanish state, following the referendum on October 1st. Our response

As the Madrid government threatens direct rule in Catalonia, Jack Sherwood reports on the situation in Barcelona.

The ruling party of the ruling class may be in limbo but our side has no time to lose, argues Lindsey German

The mass movement can create an independent Catalonia and must be supported across Europe, argues Chris Bambery

Further repression will only radicalise the situation in Catalonia further, argues Chris Bambery

A report on the grassroot organising of the referendum for Catalan independence

With a new Catalan state emerging, people across Europe can start talking about what sort of Europe we want

In response to the violent repression of the Catalan independence referendum, Counterfire has put out this resolution

The response of the Spanish state to the independence referendum in Catalonia is the most recent expression of a history of brutality

After the crackdown by the Spanish government, demonstrators demand that Catalonia be allowed to decide its own future

Attempts to sabotage and prevent the upcoming referendum in Catalonia carry echoes of Spain's Francoist past, argues Chris Bambery

How to commemorate the victims of fascism in Britain and Spain is a tricky question, writes Chris Bambery

What's going on in Catalonia? Chris Bambery investigates

The aftershocks of Franco's Spain are re-emerging and clashing with 21st-century tensions, notes Chris Bambery

Europe is about to be shaken by another political earthquake as Podemos is predicted to become Spain's second party writes Alastair Stephens

A left government in Madrid would shake the whole neoliberal structure of the EU

The first day of the new parliament was one of high drama and low deals, writes Alastair Stephens

The result of the Spanish election is a major breakthrough for the left in Spain and beyond

The financial crisis and the subsequent imposition of austerity has led to a deep polarisation of European politics, writes Alastair Stephens

A recently released Spanish thriller casts light on the country’s compromised transition to democracy. Marshland by Alberto Rodríguez is reviewed by Jim Aindow

Spanish anti-austerity party Podemos have issue the following statement backing Jeremy Corbyn for Labour leader

Sofia Typaladou on the crisis of the Spanish monarchy