Socialists Grab Power From Conservatives In Spain

I wouldn't normally highlight a big story like this except for the fact that Spain's is the first national election taking place in a country that supported the Iraq war last year.

The governing right-of-center Popular Party suffered a loss of 35 seats in the Spanish Congress while the opposition Socialist Party gained 39 seats in today's elections. High voter turnout (about 76%) translated into this massive political power swing in Spain.

Leading up to the elections today, the Popular Party seemed to have cleared the way for a narrow win. But, the bombing of Madrid's commuter trains last week and the indication afterward that it may have been retaliation for the Spanish government's support of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq resulted in high voter turnout and the ousting of the governing party's power. The attack revived public opposition to Spain's presence in Iraq. The people of Spain, like the British people, were adamantly opposed to the invasion with some 90% of Spaniards disagreeing with Prime Minister Aznar and his Popular Party's position to support the United States.



The above photo was taken during a silent march through central Barcelona on Friday, March 12. The sign reads, "Could this picture have cost us 200 deaths?" referring to the 200 people who died in the Madrid train blasts. Below that it says, "No More Lies - No More Deaths - No More War." Photo from Reuters.

Is voter reaction in Spain an isolated event? Or, is it an indication of a broader, growing world-wide resentment for the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq?

Si usted entiende español, chasque aquí para ir al periódico más grande de España, El Pais, y leer más sobre las elecciones.