An uncanny likeness!

I am in the UK at the moment so not blogging that much. Nevertheless, I found a spot to sit down and type these thoughts – political but ironic.

Since we have lived in Spain I have been happy to find that the government here actually seems to have a genuine belief in working for the people of Spain. This seems oddly unusual in a World where cynicism governs the political ‘realm’

I can only speak, of course, for the present government and their leader, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. He seems an honourable man whose political thoughts are similar to mine. Since the Socialists have been in power, new Equality and Anti-Discrimination Laws have been passed and there has been a marked emphasis on public health and education – all the things a good socialist should push for.

Zapatero is facing stiff opposition from the PP (conservatives) who, like the opposition parties in the UK, only want to concentrate on the government policies that are causing the most concern – their hoped for peace negotiations with ETA for one thing, which have left Zapatero stuck between a rock and a hard place politically.

But I like the man. He seems much more sincere than Blair, whose false facade cracks more each day. Zapatero was almost hoisted into power with the general elections following the Madrid Bombings – his strong calls for peace touched a nerve with a population sick of the PP’s insistence on remaining at war with Iraq. And it seems at times that coming to power was a big surprise for Zapatero, who does not appear to be the ’studied statesman’. There is no ‘one-upmanship’ with the man – he is what he is.

So, overall, I am pleased that Spain has a Socialist Government and a leader like Zapatero.

But why, oh why, does he have to look so much like Mr Bean?