Losers take all

PRESIDENT of the Spanish government Mariano Rajoy is repeatedly mocked for repeatedly assuring the public that he and his government would rather not impose harsh austerity measures.

He is telling the truth, naturally.

The PSOE’s leaders, grandees and barons must be thanking their lucky stars they lost last November’s elections.

Whatever they might be saying in Opposition, they know full well that had they won, they would have to do exactly what Rajoy would rather not be doing right now.

Pressure readings

ALTHOUGH they would deny it in public, some ministers in Spain’s conservative government are said to hoping that socialist François Hollande wins the second round of the French elections.

His promised refusal to toe Brussels’ – and Merkel’s – line could blaze a trail for Rajoy and if France pressures them both, this could result in less pressure on Spain. As the saying goes, it’s an ill wind…

Keeping the health service healthy

MANY pensioners in Spain will soon be paying for prescriptions, although the amounts they pay will not be large – and less than UK charges.

Rajoy’s plea for a little effort on the population’s part should not fall on deaf ears.

Few Health services anywhere were designed for the number of people they now have to attend. Even without the crisis, it is miraculous that they survive.