Editorial/Opinion
A new look cabinet heralds the new political legislature in Spain
By h.b.
Apr 13, 2008 - 8:50 PM

EDITORIAL COMMENT
It’s all change in the Spanish political arena as the Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero names his new cabinet. There were a few surprises in the choices made, but on reflection they show the Zapatero we already know. More women than men and a new Ministry for Equality shows a real commitment to readdressing the balance between the sexes in a country where the macho culture is renowned.

The changes also reveal the Prime Minister’s loyalty to old friends, with his close friend Miguel Sebastián, who failed miserably as Socialist candidate for Mayor of Madrid, being brought into the powerful Ministry for Industry where we can expect a counter-balance to Pedro Solbes in the Ministry for the Economy. It is, perhaps, the area where the Government faces its greatest challenges, given the worldwide economic climate, and we can only hope that the two men can work effectively together.

Some are surprised at the departure of Jesús Caldera, but the ex Minister for Employment is now to be gainfully employed directing a new Socialist think tank, given the task of renovating progressive thinking.

Plenty of good intentions then, but it remains to be seen whether the new team proves to be an efficient one when it comes to governing the country. The Prime Minister has indicated that he thinks the financial crisis will be with us for two years, half the legislature which will also be separated by Spain taking over the rotating presidency of the European Union in 2010.