How history will judge Zapatero
Many will remember Spain’s socialist prime minister for his mishandling of the economic crisis. But his legacy in other areas – particularly social reform – is substantial.
Many will remember Spain’s socialist prime minister for his mishandling of the economic crisis. But his legacy in other areas – particularly social reform – is substantial.
When the Libyan leader came to Spain in 2007, there were fears he would severely embarrass the Socialist government. But while Zapatero faced criticism for welcoming Gaddafi, the guest created more of a stir with his personal quirks than his public comments.
The Basque terrorist group’s announcement that it has ended its campaign of violence should end four decades of division and tragedy. But it also represents an opportunity for the country’s politicians to start showing some badly needed statesmanship.
Usually when voters go to the polls they have an idea about competing politicians’ policies, and only a vague idea about which of them is going to win. But when Spaniards vote in early elections in one month’s time, they will know, almost for sure, who will win, though they’ve got only the faintest clue as to what that might mean.
The Zapatero government faced withering criticism as it attempted to resolve a diplomatic spat over Eastern European separatism, according to documents released by Wikileaks.
As his second term draws to an end with the start of the general election campaign, Zapatero’s party is in a mess of its own making.
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