So close yet so far: intergovernmental tensions in Spain

Abstract

Much has been said about recurrent conflicts between the government of Spain and the executives of autonomous communities. Drawing on mixed methods, this research aims to explore some of the deterrents of the center–periphery quarrels in Spain. This investigation operationalizes intergovernmental tensions through a quantitative data set based on a number of litigations between regional and central executives in Spain before the Constitutional Court from 1980 to 2014, as well as a series of 30 in-depth interviews. It demonstrates that the organization of sectorial conferences, the signing of cooperation agreements, and periods of party congruence help prevent the rise of intergovernmental contestation.