It’s the economy…stupid so watch this space!

Spain experienced 5 years of double-digit recession before recovery was confirmed in the first quarter of 2014. However the jobless rate overall in 2014 was 25%, and unemployment is likely to remain at 20% for several years. Spanish workers have experienced falling salaries though the low rate of inflation has helped to maintain household purchasing power.

An election in 2015 will no doubt be fought on the state of the Spanish economy and the austerity measures that the EU has required of Spain. Despite its sizeable majority, the Spanish Government remains brittle due to alleged corruption and the re-emergence of demands for independence within the regions. The continuing talk of secession by Catalonia will no doubt shadow the Spanish Government for some time to come.

The Greek election being held this day, Sunday 25 January, will also no doubt influence the outcome of the Spanish election and impact on the future of the EU as it will on other elections across Europe over the coming year(s).