Spain's Political Shift: PSOE Decline & PP's Ascent

Social Decline & PSOE's Waning Power

A general strike called by CCOO and UGT in 1988 marked the beginning of the end for the socialist era nationwide. The protest on December 14, 1988, against the government, initiated a capitalist turn, fueling tensions and internal divisions within the PSOE. On the horizon, a feeble opposition existed but with a renewed spirit: the People's Party (PP) emerged, revitalized under a new protagonist, José María Aznar. Initially undervalued, Aznar gradually matured, implementing an effective policy. The PSOE became more fragmented, with the emergence of factions like the 'Guerristas'. There were talks of widespread corruption, casting doubt on the honesty of the President of the Government. As a consequence, the PSOE lost popular appeal, and the PP achieved good election results in 1991. Felipe González promised 'regeneration' and an anti-corruption stance. However, Felipe González no longer held an absolute majority and had to make concessions to Catalan nationalists, led by Pujol, in exchange for their support. President González did not fulfill his campaign promises nor did he understand the public's message regarding corruption. New scandals emerged, such as the GAL plot and the CESID wiretapping cases. Moreover, the economic situation did not improve. In this context, municipal elections were held in 1995, and the PP secured a spectacular victory. Everyone predicted a heavy defeat for the Socialists in the general election on March 3, 1996, but the polls were mistaken, and the PP won by a narrow margin. The socialist cycle had concluded.

Conservatives in Government: Aznar's Era

Aznar had to negotiate, and Rodrigo Rato played a key role in attracting support from Catalan, Basque, and Canary Islands nationalists. Aznar secured the necessary votes to become Prime Minister. The government's economic measures consolidated the democratic right in power. The PP soon demonstrated itself to be an effective, serious, and honest government. Corruption and scandals were largely forgotten. This led the PP to an easy victory in the general elections of March 2000. However, the PP did not approach its second term with the same spirit: Aznar adopted overly personal positions, failed to consider other political forces when making decisions, and acted with a degree of arrogance.