Spain’s ruling Socialists have taken control of Catalonia’s regional government, ending over a decade of separatist rule. Salvador Illa, the new regional leader, aims to govern for all citizens. The Socialists formed a coalition with the Comuns and moderate separatist ERC parties to secure a majority in the regional assembly. In exchange for support, the Socialists promised Catalonia full control of taxes collected in the region, a move opposed by the conservative opposition. The vote was overshadowed by the appearance of fugitive separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, who defied an arrest warrant and then fled back to Belgium. Illa’s appointment signals a shift away from separatism and towards dialogue with the central government in Madrid. The new government marks an attempt to soothe tensions following the 2017 independence referendum crisis, with a focus on inclusivity and cooperation.