Glossary · P
El Procés
Catalan independence process between 2012 and 2017, culminating in the 1-O referendum and the unilateral declaration of independence. It led to the application of article 155 and the trial of its leaders.
Majestic Pact
Agreement between Aznar (PP) and Pujol (CiU) in 1996 that enabled Aznar's first investiture in exchange for transfers and devolved competences.
Tinell Pact
2003 agreement between PSC, ERC and ICV to govern Catalonia, with an explicit clause not to enter into pacts with the PP. It consolidated independentism as the partner of Catalan socialism.
Perro Sanxe
Pejorative nickname popularized on social media and at demonstrations against Pedro Sánchez. It went viral after the 2023 investiture pacts and the negotiation of the Amnesty Law.
Polarization
Process whereby political positions drift toward the extremes, with erosion of the centre and rising hostility between blocs. Spain ranks among Europe's most polarized democracies according to the CIS barometer.
Populism
Political style that opposes the 'people' to an 'elite'. The term covers expressions on the left (Podemos, early Sumar) and right (Vox, Trump). A label used pejoratively by rivals.
Post-truth
Communicative phenomenon in which facts matter less than emotions and beliefs in shaping public opinion. Key concept in the debate on fake news, social media and political polarization.
PSOEumar
Informal nickname for the PSOE + Sumar government bloc after the 2023 general elections.
Revolving door
Movement of senior politicians to the boards of large companies regulated by the decisions they themselves took. Paradigmatic cases: González (Gas Natural), Aznar (Endesa), Solbes (Enel).
Pujol clan
Family of former Catalan president Jordi Pujol, investigated for alleged organized corruption and money laundering after the 2014 confession of a hidden fortune in Andorra. Case still open.