SPAIN’S new government is learning to be wary of microphones. Mariano Rajoy, the prime minister, was caught by one claiming his labour reform would provoke strikes. Luis de Guindos, the economy minister, was overheard calling it extremely aggressive. When the reform was unveiled in a decree of February 10th, expectations were of a radical simplification … Continue reading
Even while the Socialists were still in power, Spain took the initiative in slashing mercilessly into welfare budgets and reducing salaries, vowing to get a handle on a dangerous pile of deficits and debts. The conservative prime minister elected three months ago, Mariano Rajoy, has pursued the cutback campaign even more vigorously, raising taxes and … Continue reading