How Madrid Has Overtaken Catalonia as Spain's Most Prosperous Region in Recent Years

Historically, Catalonia has been considered the engine of the Spanish economy due to its powerful industrial sector. In contrast, Madrid was the center of political power, housing the entire administrative apparatus of the state and being the place where decisions were made. However, in the last two decades, the landscape has changed due to the crisis of the independence process in Catalonia since 2017 and the decline in exports, as well as Madrid's economic growth. In Latin America and the rest of the world, the most famous competition between Madrid and Barcelona is resolved on the playing field. However, the rivalry between the capitals of Spain and Catalonia goes beyond the game: for decades, both cities and regions have engaged in a political and economic dispute, characterized by periods of successful collaboration and others of severe disagreements. Historically, Catalonia has been considered the engine of the Spanish economy due to its powerful industrial sector. Madrid, on the other hand, was the center of political power, housing the entire administrative apparatus of the State and being the place where decisions were made.