Flimsier footings

Major analysis feature on the devolution debate taking place in Spain as to what degree of autonomy should be given to the regions.

The economic crisis of 2007- has helped to expose the high costs – to businesses and to taxpayers – of Spanish devolution and the multiple regional and local bureaucracies it has spawned.

Some regions call for even greater autonomy and even outright independence, while there is a growing movement calling to 'hispanify' the regions.

In a related article called 'A motley range of separatists struggle for state recognition of their identity' writers discuss regional nationalism in other EU Member States.

The Economist, No.8642, 1.8.09: Spanish devolution and the budget. All must have prizes http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14140429

---