His detractors have called the results of the December 21 election, which saw separatist parties hold on to their majority in the Catalan parliament, a “fiasco” and a “rout” for Rajoy, in power since 2011. Rajoy’s conservative Popular Party (PP) saw its marginal representation in the 135-seat Catalan parliament reduced even further, to just four seats, from 11 previously. After Rajoy intervened, experts said the separatists recognized that they had underestimated the capacity of the Spanish state to react. Rajoy has warned repeatedly that he will not hesitate to invoke Article 155 powers again if separatists once again break the law. The year 2018 will be difficult for Rajoy “but what year hasn’t been difficult for him?” Losada asked.

Source: Manila Times December 28, 2017 16:30 UTC