European Policy Analysis
a certain extent , of a governmentopposition dialectic in which the proposal and decisions presented by the central government are not evaluated so much with regard to their territorial projection , as depending on their political-electoral implications . In this regard , the SCs act as a kind of parliamentary chamber of territorial representation , but one mainly guided by partisan interests , no matter whether the nature of sectoral policies are more ideological ( Education ) or technical ( Environment ).
Conclusions
The Sectoral Conferences appear in the Spanish political-administrative system as a formal instrument to channel relationships between the State and the Autonomous Regions . At first sight , their study shows a diverse world , with different origins and rates of development . However , when the working dynamics are analyzed in terms of composition and attendance , agenda organization , and the dynamics of meetings , it is possible to appreciate a series of shared , although not identical , aspects .
In this regard , we consider that the hypothesis of the influence of party politics on the workings of the Sectoral Conferences is proved by the data : the very attendance at the meetings and interaction among their participants show a strong partisan influence on the daily routine of this institution . As seen above , the agenda is controlled by the governing party which counts on the support of allied regional representatives , establishing a top-down hierarchy in a theoretically more horizontal institution . In this regard , both the Socialists and the conservatives of the PP have played a very similar role when in power , regardless of their different projects for Spain ’ s territorial organization . By the same token , and from the sub-national perspective , the reaction against the central government ’ s proposals seems to be driven by their opposing role in parliamentary politics rather than by regional interests alone . For instance , attending the meetings has
Graph 8 . Percentage of critical interventions by regions ( Education SC- J . I . Wert ' s ministry )
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