Secondly, despite the bright economic forecasts, the first years in EMU are likely to be painful in the pocket for many Spanish voters, as control of interest rates is ceded to the European Central Bank and fiscal policy becomes the main means of controlling inflation. A clear parliamentary majority before these tensions arise would obviously make the PP's position much more secure in the medium term. Old and new allegations of corruption and state terrorism continue to batter the PSOE's once honourable image. Left-wing nationalists hammered the party in a recent Galician poll. After 18 months in power, there is not a jackboot in sight.
Some people remain just a little fearful, however.
A minority PP government has continued the task, shamefully initiated by the PSOE, of undermining the independence of the judiciary. It has shown an inordinate interest in controlling private as well as public television, and the press. It has proposed an educational policy which many regard as backward-looking.