Catalan election could test Spanish stability

Significance The Socialists’ Party of Catalonia (PSC) -- which is affiliated with Spain’s ruling Socialist Party -- holds a strong lead in the polls over the other parties. The outcome could have implications for Spain’s government, as it depends on Catalonia’s pro-independence Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) and Together with Catalonia (JxCat) for support. Impacts Defeat for JxCat would most likely result in the departure of its exiled leader, Carles Puidgemont. Any early Spanish election, triggered by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's possible resignation, would likely result in a right-wing victory. The prospect of Catalan independence remains a long way away.