Spanish Steps: Zapatero and the Second Transition in Spain

Having led the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) to victory in 2004, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has embarked on a radical agenda of social and political reform. Within Spain, his plans to recognise gay marriage and promote gender equality were controversial, but prevailed against stiff conservative opposition. He has also devolved increasing power to the regions of Spain and pursued dialogue with Basque separatists in order to find a solution to the long-running conflict.

Zapatero’s bold social reforms are accompanied by a commitment to sound macroeconomic management, with the Spanish Treasury running a succession of fiscal surpluses. Under his premiership, the Spanish economy has been among Europe’s most successful performers, with falling unemployment and strong economic growth.