New (Spanish) PM Promises Realignment in Europe

[kskiska]

Zapatero signals move away from US


When he ordered the crowd of flag-waving supporters at his headquarters to stop their celebrations and stand silent for a minute's homage to Madrid's dead and injured last night José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was starting what he pledged would be a new style of government.

(snip)

The first people to be cared for, he said, were the families of the dead, those still missing relatives and those still battling for their lives or recovering from ghastly, life-changing injuries in hospital. But the main task, he said, was to fight terrorism wherever it raises its ugly head.

This will necessarily mean forging relationships with other world leaders, though Spain's place in the world may be about to change dramatically with Mr Zapatero at the helm. He has already said he wants George Bush to lose the presidential elections, so he will have no friend there.

As for Tony Blair, he had already welcomed Mariano Rajoy, Mr Aznar's successor, to Downing Street before the elections. Mr Blair's friendship with Mr Aznar has always irked Spain's socialists, some of whom see him as a traitor of the left.

Yesterday the leader of the house, Peter Hain, promised that relations with Spain would be unaffected by the change in government.

more…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/spain/article/0,2763,1169596,00.html

[madrchsod]

1. well, well, well,

spain just told george to go get fucked...i guess they are no longer willing....does this mean that spain will back castro and chavez against the bush machine? i would rather imagine that this changes alot in central and south america....

[Kool Kitty]

2. Bet George is passing an unhappy night

over this turn of events. Think he's a little worried? He should be.

[jean]

8. I imagine him sleeping soundly, with no thought to anything

of importance. He goes to sleep early knowing that his handlers will tell him what to do and think in the morning.

[CoupdEtat2000]

9. I doubt he even understands it unless someone told him yet

[goforit]

3. Zapatero may just swing the pendulum.............and a warm welcome!!!

It is time the World's majority of people kick those
small evil ruling minority out on their asses where they belong.

Hat's off to the Spaniards!!!

[Kagemusha]

4. The first world leader to back Kerry shows himself!

Of course he wasn't a world leader until today... but who's counting!

[murielm99]

6. Does he really back Kerry?

Great! Where did you see that?

[Art_from_Ark]

10. He has already said he wants George Bush to lose

the presidential elections; thus, one can infer that he wants Kerry to win.

[schultzee]

5. I wish we had democratic socialists here!

[NV1962]

7. Is a social democrat close enough?

;)

Only a bit more seriously... The Democratic Party is affiliated with the Socialist International (I believe as an observer) so maybe Zapatero can convince Kerry to opt for full membership?

:D

[T_i_B]

11. Spanish politician labels Blair an 'imbecile' on live television

Old story, but so so relevent IMHO.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2004%2F01%2F16%2Fwspain16.xml

Tony Blair has been called "a complete dickhead" by a leading Spanish politician live on television. The comment was made by Jose Bono, one of the three most powerful figures in the Socialist Party. His remarks were not intended to be heard, but were recorded by a television team while he was talking to Joaquin Almunia, a former Socialist leader.

Mr Bono said: "Hey, and our colleague Blair? He's a complete dickhead (un gilipollas integral). He's an imbecile."

The comments contrast with the Spanish prime minister Jose Maria Aznar's carefully cultivated friendship with Mr Blair. The party is irritated by Mr Blair's friendship with Mr Aznar and dislikes the resulting Anglo-Spanish alliance.

There is little question that were Spain's conservatives to lose power, the London-Madrid axis would collapse.

[NV1962]

14. in this case, gilipollas = moron

José Bono is slated to become a minister... He's brilliant. And deadpan honest. And diplomatic if he wants to... ;)

Hope it's something where he can meet Tony Blair - often.

[TankLV]

12. One down, two to go!

You're next bunkerboy!

Bring it on!

[struggle4progress]

13. This is just the beginning of the realignments