Zapatero announces PSOE will seek minority government

[NV1962]

According to El Mundo:

Zapatero ha asegurado que formará un gobierno "monocolor", en el que se incluyan personas que tengan "la experiencia de etapas en el gobierno" de la nación y en el de comunidades autónomas. Ha calificado este gabinete de "eficaz, austero, dialogante y tolerante".

A pesar de que el PSOE ha decidido no buscar un pacto de gobierno, su líder ha ofrecido "diálogo permanente" antes de la investidura y después, de forma que sólo se alcanzarán acuerdos puntuales.

Quick and rough translation:

Zapatero has assured he'll form a "one-color" government (comprised of one party) in which people will be included that are "seasoned in government" at national and regional levels. He branded this cabinet as “efficient, frills-free, open to dialog, and tolerant"

In spite of the fact that PSOE has decided not to seek a government (coalition) pact, their leader offered a "permanent dialog" prior to his inauguration and afterward, such that only agreements will be mande on some (specific) issues.

What we see here is that Zapatero looks forward to governing only with cabinet members of PSOE, hence with parliamentary minority support, but with the advantage that he can lay out a more clearly "recognizable" policy. In other words, he's aiming for the general elections in 2008, hoping to have earned sufficient trust and support by then to win an absolute majority on that occasion.

It is a bit risky, as he exposes himself to vulnerability in Parliament (it's not entirely impossible that he'll face a few no-confidence votes during this term) but, looking at the promise of PP to offer a "loyal and constructive opposition" (i.e., a pledge not to abuse issues of national interest as political footballs) as well as the probability of pre-agreed government policy on "key" areas for parties such as IU and ERC, odds are in favor of his survival.

Either way, it's going to be a tough balancing act: having to convince people in Spain and abroad that he truly represents a credible alternative to Aznar, while drafting a consistent / coherent policy, based on a vulnerable minority.

He may not be a flashy character; he's obviously no coward either.

[bemildred]

1. Thank you for the analysis.

Mr. Zapatero does not seen to be a shy fellow.
I think I might like him.