Will Spain Choose Four More Years of Socialist Rule?
“Fascinating.” “Inspiring.” “Exemplary.” The Spanish media is excited about the campaign for the upcoming election.
Unfortunately, the electoral campaign they’re excited about is happening in the United States, even though Spain’s general election will be held on March 9.
The American campaign has featured more than twenty debates, new faces on the political scene, positive rhetoric about hope and change, candidates reaching out to the people, and greatly increased public interest in the political process.
The Spanish campaign, on the other hand, has been an entirely different story. During the two rather dull debates, the same candidates who competed in the 2004 election exchanged insults and accusations. The campaign has also featured negativity and personal attacks, unoriginal play-it-safe speechmaking, candidates walled off from journalists and the public, cynical promise-mongering, and popular disinterest and skepticism.
Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) candidate again. His main opponent is Mariano Rajoy of the conservative People’s Party (PP), whom Zapatero defeated in the last election. That contest took place three days after the March 11, 2004 bombings in Madrid that killed 192 people.
Zapatero’s 2004 victory was a shocking upset, as the main question in the weeks leading up to the election was how much Rajoy would beat him by. Zapatero was seen as a weak, uncharismatic candidate with little support even in his own party, while Rajoy was the handpicked heir to two-term Prime Minister
PJ Media appreciates your comments that abide by the following guidelines:
1. Avoid profanities or foul language unless it is contained in a necessary quote or is relevant to the comment.
2. Stay on topic.
3. Disagree, but avoid ad hominem attacks.
4. Threats are treated seriously and reported to law enforcement.
5. Spam and advertising are not permitted in the comments area.
These guidelines are very general and cannot cover every possible situation. Please don't assume that PJ Media management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment. We reserve the right to filter or delete comments or to deny posting privileges entirely at our discretion. Please note that comments are reviewed by the editorial staff and may not be posted immediately. If you feel your comment was filtered inappropriately, please email us at story@pjmedia.com.