Interesting times

Tomorrow (Sunday) sees an historic general election in Spain. It is an election which will mark the turning-point in Spanish politics, with two new parties, the anti-austerity far left, Podemos, and the centre-right Cuidadanos both looking to break the two-party stranglehold of the conservative Partido Popular and the Spanish Socialist Party, who have dominated Spanish politics for so long. It must be said that there is fear as well. Podemos inspires its followers but causes concern amongst other voters. It was reported on Friday that Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, had suggested to German chancellor, Angela Merkel, that Podemos could come second in the election behind his Partido Popular. This would be a crushing defeat for the Spanish Socialist Party and leave the Partido Popular in a difficult situation. They may win the election but they will not poll an overall majority. Podemos in second place could leave the door open for a left-wing coalition. It will also mean great political uncertainty.