Scotonomics Episode 18: SMALL NATION SERIES: Catalonia

Catalonia is the powerhouse of the Spanish economy. In this episode, we will find out what makes the Catalan economy so strong and how it compares overall to the Spanish economy. We will also discuss the economic argument that underpins the desire for many Catalans for independence. Is Catalonia too wee, too poor and too stupid to survive as an independent nation?   There is no better person to cover these issues than Elisenda Paluzie, President, Asamblea Nacional Catalana and until April 2017, the elected dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Barcelona.   In October 2014, Elisenda published the book, Podemos! Las claves de la viabilidad económica de la Cataluña independiente ("We can! The keys to the economic viability of independent Catalonia"). The book one the XIV Catalonia Economy Prize, awarded by the Catalan Society of Economy.   In this fascinating discussion we will look at the future for Catalonia within and outside Spain and in or outside of the EU. We will also consider the similarities and differences between Scotland in and out of the UK and in or outside of the EU.