Editorial Board
Madrid Should Give Persuasion One More Try
Crushing Catalan separatism isn't the answer. There's a better way.
Talk to them without conditions.
Photographer: David RamosIn his standoff with Catalonia's separatist leaders, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has set a deadline of Oct. 19 for the other side to back down, threatening that Madrid will otherwise suspend the region's autonomy and impose direct rule. He has Spain's constitution, its highest court, opposition parties, other regional leaders and European allies all on his side.
If this were no more than a contest of strength, then, Rajoy couldn't lose -- but it isn't that simple. He should be aiming to win the argument, not crush a rebellion. Victory by force won't reconcile Catalonia to remaining part of Spain. Rajoy should drop the deadline and propose talks without preconditions.