Editorials
The good and bad of the Spanish General Election
By h.b.
Mar 10, 2008 - 2:05 AM

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Several good and bad things can be taken from the results of the Spanish General Election held on Sunday, once again in the shadow of a terrorist attack, this time with the fatal shooting of an ex-Socialist councillor in Mondragón last Friday. The family of Isaías Carrasco called for people to vote, and vote they did, although interestingly in Mondragón itself turnout was lower than nationally.

Spain can take heart that the turnout was even higher than four years ago, at a very healthy 75%. That comes as little surprise following the massive television audiences for the two debates held between the main party leaders during the campaign.
The debates, although far too restricted in their format and design, were the first to be held on TV for 15 years, and that is another good thing.

The Socialists can take heart from their progress in both the Basque region and Cataluña. The former is particularly significant following the placing of the fight against ETA at the centre of the campaign by the opposition Partido Popular. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s failed attempt at talks and a cease fire has been supported by the people of the Basque region at the polls.

The Partido Popular has advanced to the degree that many consider that Mariano Rajoy remains safe as party leader, at least until the next party conference, despite the fact that it is his second consecutive election defeat. Whether the P.P. sees the increase in support as proof that their aggressive form of opposition has worked, or the election defeat as proof that such aggression has failed, still remains to be seen. The PP have been predicting catastrophes over the past four years, including the so-called break-up of Spain with more power moved to the regions, and last night’s result will, I fear, do little to change that.