Tag Archives: politics

So how is Pedro Sanchez recovering from his bad day?

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The pact that PSOE and Podemos signed with EH Bildu to gain five abstentions in the vote to extend the last State of Alarm is surely one of the biggest errors in Spanish politics. Read my write-up on what happened here. In summary: PSOE agreed to get rid of all the PP’s labour reforms before the end of the state of alarm (and gave the Basque’s a wad of cash) in exchange for five abstentions Continue reading So how is Pedro Sanchez recovering from his bad day?→

Catalunya drafts independence law and Spain is on the brink of dissolution

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The breakup of Spain suddenly lurched a lot closer after the secessionist government of Catalunya confirmed it is working upon an independence bill it will shortly present to the regional parliament. The bill outlines a new, independent Republic for Catalunya and commits the region to declaring unilateral independence if a full referendum is not immediately agreed upon by Madrid. Read the leaked draft in El Pais (English). President Mariano Rajoy made an emergency appearance before Continue reading Catalunya drafts independence law and Spain is on the brink of dissolution→

Turre avenue approved by the Mayor

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Mayor Morales has today signed his contentious avenue plan into law via executive order of the Mayor. You’ll remember that 100% of his councillors were against the avenue plan that he drew up. Designed by an unqualified friend of his and presented in the dying months of his administration, he has been accused of forgetting about the avenue until now and presenting the fastest plan he could design in order to secure his legacy. The Continue reading Turre avenue approved by the Mayor→

Rebranding corruption – coz a new name is as good as a new product, right?

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Spanish politics is about to see a massive cleanup. No, the corrupt politicians aren’t going to jail – they’re being rebranded. You see, the Spanish have a wonderful word for someone who has been indicted in a criminal case: imputado. The word applies all the way up until formal charges and a prosecution are laid against you, when you become the acusado. It’s a word that has become common recently, with hundreds of politicians being Continue reading Rebranding corruption – coz a new name is as good as a new product, right?→

Who was Adolfo Suárez?

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Spain is in mourning for Adolfo Suárez, the first democratic President of Spain, who died on Sunday. But, who was he, and why have most people never heard of him? His tale is a interesting and intriguing one – for most Spaniards associate him with the hope that followed the death of the military dictator Franco, when anything seemed possible, and before they became disillusioned with their politicians.

Adolfo Suarez, first democractic PM of Spain, will die this weekend says son

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Adolfo Suárez, the first Prime Minister of Spain after Franco’s death, and the man who lead the transition from a military dictatorship to a semi-functioning democracy, is expected to die this weekend, according to a tearful statement from his son. Suárez has suffered from severe Alzheimer’s, which has left him unable to cope by himself since 2005. Suárez was a close friend of King Juan Carlos, who has visited him several times during his long Continue reading Adolfo Suarez, first democractic PM of Spain, will die this weekend says son→

Vox: A new political party born to cut waste and regional governments

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A new national political party has been formed in Spain called Vox. The central point of its manifesto is the suppression of the regional governments of Spain, which the party considers duplicates powers and costs. “We defend a centralised Spain, which respects and admires its regional differences, but which is a modern, efficient and functioning state” said founder Santiago Abascal. “One Parliament, One Government and One Supreme Court” is the catchphrase. One of the main Continue reading Vox: A new political party born to cut waste and regional governments→

Politics is Spains largest industry, confirms the State Auditor

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A new study shows that Politics is now the largest Spanish employer, according to the State Auditor (Tribunal de Cuentas – is that a good translation? Good enough). 145,000 jobs are directly assigned by political parties. For example, that’s more people than the entire staff of Spain’s six largest banks (Santander, BBVA, Caixabank, Popular, Sabadell y Bankinter). In fact, it’s equivalent to the combined staff of the top third of the companies that make up Continue reading Politics is Spains largest industry, confirms the State Auditor→

Four years for Mayor who gave “friends” jobs at the top

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The ex-mayor of Jerez, a chap revelling in the name of Pedro Pacheco, has been sentenced to fours years and six months in jail, plus an eight year ban from holding public office or voting, for giving two friends, both noted local party supporters, top jobs in Jerez townhall. Blimey, who did he annoy? He belonged to some local party and, in coalition with the PSOE, was mayor for two terms. When the other lot Continue reading Four years for Mayor who gave “friends” jobs at the top→