Paper presented at the Seminar on ‘Devolution and Public Policy’, ECPR Standing Group on Regionalism, University of Edinburgh, 22-3, October 2004. Published in: Regional and Federal Studies, 15 (4), 519-535, Dec. 2005
Decentralization of the Spanish welfare state has stimulated regional policy innovation. A ‘demonstration effect’ among all Spanish Comunidades Autónomas has so far acted as a policy equalizer. In Andalusia, where a strong sense of common identity is widely shared, the regional government (Junta) has implemented new welfare policies which have contributed to consolidate its institutional legitimacy. This paper reviews the process of decentralization in Spain. It concentrates on the ‘catching up’ quest articulated by Andalusia to gain a similar status and degree of autonomy as those achieved by the ‘historical nationalities’ (Basque Country, Catalonia and Galicia).
Peer reviewed