The ruling Partido Popular head into the general elections next month trying to convince Spaniards that they are responsible for an economic miracle and should be elected back into office because of their economic credentials. Yes, in some ways the government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has nursed the economy back to good health but what they won’t tell you is that the unemployment rate is still alarmingly high. There are four million people without a job in Spain and many of the new jobs which Rajoy’s government will trumpet are just low-paid temporary posts. When I was back in Britain earlier this month what struck me was the large number of Spaniards who now work in Britain. In most cases they are young people who have headed to Britain in search of employment and most end up working in hotels, restaurants or bars. It is amazing that the Spanish tourist industry is unable to find employment for these people. If you watch Spanish television there are a number of advertisements which are themed about young people working abroad but heading home for Christmas. I find it rather sad. Rajoy’s “economic miracle” has not meant that these people have returned home, they are still abroad waiting for the economy to pick up and new jobs to be created. And these are young people who are forced abroad because of problems at home. When the exodus returns, you can start talking about economic miracle.