“In the last few days, the party’s unity, the authority of the prime minister and party leader, our collective image as a party, and even the stability of the government have all been put at risk.” This was the verdict of Defence Minister Carme Chacón on Thursday, as she made the surprise announcement that she will not be standing as a candidate in Socialist Party primaries to choose a new candidate for the general election. It’s shocking to hear a senior Socialist politician speak in such starkly honest terms, but her words reflect how bad things have got for the party. It’s been a truly torrid week for the Socialists. First, they are one of the main targets of nationwide protests by … [Read more...] about Roll up, roll up, for the Socialist horror show
Archives for May 2011
All too predictable
Under the Greece-evoking headline, ‘Hidden’ debt raises Spain bond fears, Financial Times Madrid correspondent Victor Mallet proceeded to outline the hypothesis of Spanish Cato Institute fellow (and vocal political activist, if it need be said given the company he keeps), Lorenzo Bernaldo de Quirós, that the probable overturning of many regional and local governments in the upcoming vote would result in 26.4 billion euros of concealed debt – specifically attributable to the myriad government-owned corporations conjured into existence for a variety of motives - being brought out into the open. Ignoring for the moment how Mr. Bernaldo de Quirós might have come up with so specific a figure … [Read more...] about All too predictable
Depor’s glory a distant memory as team slides out of Liga
The only real drama during Saturday’s conclusion of the Liga season was at the bottom of the table, where Deportivo la Coruña were relegated after losing 2-0 at home to Valencia. After a see-sawing 90 minutes which could possibly have seen Mallorca, Real Sociedad, Osasuna, Getafe or Zaragoza drop instead, once-proud Depor followed Almería and Hércules down to next year’s La Segunda. Although they became the first side to be relegated with more than 42 points in a 20 team league, you could not really say Deportivo were unlucky. Their failure to score on Saturday was telling, and familiar. Under the restrained tactics of coach Miguel Ángel Lotina, the Galicians have been poor in front of … [Read more...] about Depor’s glory a distant memory as team slides out of Liga
A lurch to the right that cost Zapatero dear
Spain’s political map was redrawn on Sunday. A devastating defeat for the Socialist Party saw the Popular Party win the most votes in 11 of 13 regions and open up a two-million vote advantage in the municipal elections. However you look at it, this was an utter disaster for Zapatero. This may not have been his fight, strictly speaking, because of its local nature. But having been his party’s chief electoral asset for several years, the prime minister has now become its albatross – something he tacitly admitted several weeks ago by deciding not to run for a third term. However hard his regional barons and municipal candidates tried to distance themselves from their national leader, … [Read more...] about A lurch to the right that cost Zapatero dear
Fancy a sexual fling? Dating agency will help you cheat on your partner
The latest dating agency to hit the internet caused a stir in Madrid earlier this month, the main reason being because its advertising campaign was aimed at married women, though the agency, Victoria Milan, claims to cater for both sexes. We all know, of course, that neither sex needs an agency in order to be unfaithful. The agency says it offers ‘Married and Attached Dating – Free and Anonymous’. A further look at its website reveals that its main headquarters are in the Norwegian capital of Oslo. One can’t help but wonder whether this is a case of the more liberal attitudes generally displayed in the Nordic states coming into conflict with the Catholic principles held by many … [Read more...] about Fancy a sexual fling? Dating agency will help you cheat on your partner
Camp outs and protests spread nationwide
The tent area began to expand Friday evening as people set up camp for the weekend in front of the Zaragoza town council. A makeshift stage with microphones and speakers located in the middle of the square was the platform used by all who wanted to share their opinions with the crowd gathered near the Basilica del Pilar. “I’m here to show the politicians that we’re not idiots. All they do is make noise. They don’t say anything, they’re just like dogs, wolves and hens and I don’t want animals representing me,” Cristian Alcala, 31, said. Alcala, unemployed, was volunteering at the improvised childcare area. He explained that he would stay “as long as [his] body could take it,” and … [Read more...] about Camp outs and protests spread nationwide
15-M: Spain’s lost generation finds a voice
They toughed out heavy rainfall on their flimsy tarpaulin roofs, they defied the electoral authorities’ prohibitions of their demonstrations, they even stole the limelight from Spain’s campaigning politicians, but can the 15-M movement survive and make a difference? Many – probably most – of the hundreds of protesters camped out at Puerta del Sol, and also those demonstrating in the centres of other Spanish cities, are educated twenty-somethings, a common profile of those who vote for the governing Socialists or the United Left. But radical, or even moderate, politics is not what is fuelling this movement; instead, economics and disenfranchisement are. “What is driving this is the … [Read more...] about 15-M: Spain’s lost generation finds a voice
It’s the economy, stupid
The young protestors who have converged on Madrid’s Puerta del Sol square – and, increasingly, on squares in cities across Spain – under the banner of the 15-M Movement have myriad demands. They want political change, a more open participative democracy, corrupt politicians out of office, the repeal of “unjust” laws, a reform of benefits for the political class, tax reform, a referendum on the monarchy, a higher minimum wage, the full separation of Church and state… the list goes on. But although the protestors’ demands are heartfelt and sweep across many socio-political areas, it is ultimately – and understandably – the protestors’ wallets that have driven them to camp out in Madrid and … [Read more...] about It’s the economy, stupid
Bombing the road to democracy
It was the biggest terrorist attack on Moroccan soil since 12 suicide bombers killed 33 people in distinct locations in Casablanca eight years ago. Since the carnage on April 28, Moroccan police have arrested three men, and according to the information so far released by the Interior Ministry, the main suspect, believed to be a Moroccan man in his twenties, had planned to experience jihadist combat abroad in places such as Chechnya and Iraq, before turning his attention to a home-made bomb which he apparently took six months to construct. The location of the café made it certain that most of the victims would be Westerners, as was the case. But was this just a desire to spill … [Read more...] about Bombing the road to democracy
Moving to Portugal: A guide to get you started
If you've just landed in Portugal, it's tempting to start exploring, but there are some essential tasks to get through first. Our Getting Started section offers a wealth of important information and advice. Visas and permits If you haven’t done it already, sorting out your residence permit is an essential first step. Opening a bank account Another essential step is opening a bank account. Visit our Banking section for details on banking in Portugal and to keep up to date with news from the financial world. Finding a home So you have your visa and bank account. Now you need to find a place to stay. Read Expatica’s guide to where to live in Portugal. Should you rent or buy? Expatica … [Read more...] about Moving to Portugal: A guide to get you started