A recent analysis by the British newspaper The Times compares the current situations in Barcelona and Madrid, asking "How Barcelona is leading a regional revival to overtake Madrid". The article, published on Monday, 5 May 2026, points to Isabel Díaz Ayuso, Madrid's conservative leader, and includes Catalan expressions.
The Times defines Ayuso in four words, positioning her as a loser in a political contest with Salvador Illa. The newspaper states that "the political duel pits Illa, a close ally of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who forged a reputation for managerial competence as health minister during the pandemic, against Madrid's conservative leader, Isabel Díaz Ayuso."
Ayuso's Policies and Catalan Prudence
Ayuso, referred to as 'Santa Isabel' by her supporters and a populist by her critics, advocates for low taxes and a business-friendly model. This approach, according to The Times, contrasts with Illa's call for a return to seny, which is described as the traditional Catalan prudence. The comparison highlights differing political philosophies between the two regions.
Beyond its focus on Ayuso, The Times also examines Catalonia's situation following the years of the independence process. Illa describes the period after the failed 2017 independence attempt as a "lost decade." However, the pessimism that once surrounded the region is now starting to fade, according to the British publication. Illa points to improved economic data as "the first symptoms" of a Catalan rebirth.
Separatist Movement and Political Duality
The Times acknowledges that "Although much weakened, the separatist movement has not disappeared." The analysis concludes with a Barcelona business analyst quoting an old Catalan saying: "'Fer la puta i la Ramoneta,' which means 'to play the whore and Ramoneta,' to be two different people at once, to play both sides." The newspaper then poses a question: "Has this game, acting with loyalty to Madrid while dreaming of independence, really ended?"
This comparison by The Times offers an external perspective on the political and economic dynamics at play in Catalonia and Madrid, suggesting a shift in regional influence and ongoing political complexities.
