This year could prove to be a make or break year for Spain. Yesterday, the EU showered the country, or rather the PP centre right government, with further praise forecasting that Spain’s economy is set to improve this year, with better than expected growth predicted.
“Spain’s economic growth is set to pick up as domestic demand benefits from an improving labour market, easier financing conditions, greater confidence and lower oil prices,” the Commission said. However, Spain is facing two rounds of elections: local in May and general in November and the political climate is looking very unsettled.
We have the PPclinging on to pole position but Podemos has roared up into second place leaving the Socialist currently in third place on the grid.
Now, two elections in a year means that very little actual governing will take place as local administration begins to wind down as parties slip into top election gear. In fact, Spain could be without proper central and local governments in working positions until early next year. Elections have to be won, political coalitions possibly made, local councils, island councils, regional governments and then a central government will have to be formed and members sworn in.
But, in the meantime,Spain has to continue on this road to recovery and the key to that is going to be political stability which I hope people will remember when they go to the polls.