I voted for Mr. Zapatero and I am now ashamed of him. He has divided the country and had un-burried the ghost of the Civil War. My family was divided by it with cousins fighting against each other. After many years peace was done. Mr. Zapatero came back to resucitate a ghost to avoid focusing on the real problems of Spain. Then, to maintain power, he sold Spain to the CiU and the Catalan Nationalists. He should go to avoid the destruction of Spain. Bring Mr Gonzalez back.

Maria Rosario, Filadelfia, EEUU

William,

You are very wrong!!!! You didn't know anything about Spanish history. Franco's descendent and fans support PP. Socialist were killed by Franco, so any socialist NEVER will support neither Franco or PP. Even direct descents of Franco have been include in previous governement of PP. A lot of PP fans support PP because Franco is died, but if he was alive, they support him.

It a very injurie for socialist people what you have said, because a los of grandfathers/mathers of them have been killed only for thinking different and for figth against the dictator.

Melia Fernández, Mérida, Spain

Mr. Masterson, you are wrong, when you say that; Mr. Aznar was the first calling RECOGNIZED TERRORIST GROUP. If read aur Constitution, you must Know Spain is made with others national realities (Comunidades Autónomas), so Mr Zapatero , using the Law, has developed this reality.

Antonio Jurado, Córdoba, Spain

I have lived in Spain for over 40 years, my wife is spanish and my conpany registered under spanish law. Since the death of the dictator Franco, there is no politician as miserable as Mr Zapatero, who has divided the country under an arrogant leadership. His political negotiations with ETA, A RECOGNIZED TERRORIST GROUP, have seen no equivalent in europe. If elected, the spanish economy will continue to decline, the spanish press will come under more control, Spain will drift away furthur from the european main-stream and the national socialism of Cataluña and the Basque Country will become more and more demanding. I find it to be more and more surprising that this country did not learn important lessons from the dictatorship of Franco, which has its "spitting image" in the model of the Socialist Peoples Party of Zapatero. I might add, that the children/descendents of Franco military and political power are abundant within spanish socialism. They represent the far-left of europe.

William V. Masterson Jr, Córdoba, Spain

of course freedom for Catalonia, near Spain

ramon esteve , barcelona , Catalan Country

Seems lile the ERC party has given this address to their few supporters to write here their nosense ideas.
ERC is a extremist group, that has nothing to do with the Scotish National Party. They pretend that Catalonia (just a region, as there are many others) at a higer level than the others regions.
For example, they claim for sport selection of this region, but they do not want to play against others (like England, Scotland, Wales and so on). They pretend to play against what they call "the rest of Spain".
Incredible, ah?
Of course, these extremists are just a few, and ERC is taking less and less support.
Regarding this problem with nacionalists, there is a new party: UPyD (Unión, Progreso y Democracia). Is a center-wing party, leaded by Rosa Diez. Is a historical politician in Spain, clearminded, and with strong personality (I can comparate her to Margaret Thacher).
If tomorrow this party can take 1 deputy, will be a great new for the country.

Fernando, León, Spain

Since I came back to Spain after 32 years living in London(I came April 2000,just a month after right winger Aznar won the second mandate)And by my surprise on those 8 years since sadly The Spanish political structure stands as firm as always.
There are one main genetic attitude deep inside of the minds of the half of the people living in the centre two Castillas,Aragon.Cantabria and the Mid Mediterraneo.This is the real Spain,deeply Catholic and great contempt for the values of Liberal Thinking.The nightwind party Partido Popular is adamant to lie down Most of the legislation actual made by the Socialist Government.(Education,Gay Rights Religion in the Schools,etc).
I´m Afraid that if they win tomorrow this country will be back in a sort of mild "franquismo" that still long for that Half España.

Enric Bedross, Tarragona, Spain

this Spain in 1889 the last of Filipipinas.
this Spain in 1898 the last of Cuba
this Spain in 1956 the last of Marocco
this Spain in 2008 the last of Euzkadi
this Spain in 2008 the last of Catalonia
of course freedom for Catalonia

ramon esteve , barcelona , Catalan Country

I won't vote Zapatero as I need a party more 'leftish' than that. Anyway, Zapatero has done it pretty fine and it looks he will win again. Those many right-wing users above don't represent the real Spain, they have a somehow weird sense of Democracy and use to manipulate facts everytime someone alow them to. Pretty sad.

Día triste, MADRID, SPAIN

I do agree with those who consider that Mr. Mariano Rajoy is impossible to acccept as Prime Minister: too conservative!
Mr, Jose Luis Rodríguez Zapatero can not be compered with Fidel Castro or Hugo Chavez, as Manuel from Madrid says, He is much more close to Mr, Tony Blair, ex-Prime British Minister and he has nothing to be with Evo Morales.
Anyway I will vote for ERC, the Catalan Independentist Party wich can be compered with the Scotish National Party and I hope to get the referendum to be out from the Kingdom in 2014.
The Principality of Catalonia deserves a better futur, as free State in the European Union.

Miquel-Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia-Spain

Mariano Rajoy = Franco + Internet

Mariano, Madrid, Spain

I am so disapointed of reading some of the previous opinions published. They are just basic feelings sometimes or interested messages promoting vote to left or right main options.

I am not voting Zapatero neither Rajoy. I do vote in Lleida (Catalunya) and my "useful" vote has gone already (voted by mail) to ERC (republican left) because there are other options too, and they will achieve representation in Madrid next Sunday.

Times poll is not reflecting it but they might need to do it on Monday hopefully. A non absolute majority will force policies to have consensus, like in most of the issues during last 4 years.

David, Lleida, Catalunya

Rajoy is like Blair, Sarkozy or Merkel. Zapatero is like Castro, H. Chavez or Evo Morales. We deserve a President, not a demagogue!!!!!

Manuel, Madrid,

Spain doesn´t deserve to have a President like Rajoy. Spanish are not stupid, and we know he cannot be our president.

Raquel, Murcia, Spain

I will not vote next sunday, as I am not particularly happy with Zapatero's governance of Spain. Anyway, the only other option is definetely worse. The PP needs to renew completely their top level structure before I can even consider voting them in the future. What they did on March 12th and 13th (treating spaniards as vulgar idiots) can not be forgotten.
Their use of terrorism and anti-catalan hatred is pathetic.

Sergio, Barcelona,

By publishing this poll you are violating the spanish Law that bans any public poll one week before voting.

Jero, Madrid, Spain

I'm one of those "undecided citizens", although I prefer to be called "sense citizen", mainly because of valuating people facts far more than words.

In 2004, all the good (the most, IMHO) facts of the PP governement unfortunately were shadowed by perhaps the worst event in modern Spain's history: 11-M. The whole country became stunned and hungry for answers. Me too. Three days late, it had to throw the ballot paper. Mine was for PSOE and Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

Four years after, I feel quite deceited, dissappointed.

So, this time I'll vote for Mariano Rajoy. Despite of their past and present mistakes, he finally convinced me with that hopeful "speech of the child" performed as a closing of the one-on-one debates. Because I am only --and really no more than-- a simple citizen, one between a large number, with a job and a family to sustain, therefore with his/her look and thoughts pointing at the future and always from the present. Never at or from the past.

Regards.

Jose Luis, Sevilla, Spain

The world of Zapatero is a world of broken dream and promises. He has failed to be an effective leader for Spain, he has bugged himself down with utopist dreams and slogans, for example “Pacto de Civilizaciones” and in reality what has he achieved? You can summarize his 3½ years in office as a streak of failure; he failed to end ETA’s terrorism, failed to provide a business atmosphere of trust for business investment and growth, failed at creating political compromises with the regional governments, failed miserably in foreign policy or lack there off, and failed Europe by provided a “papers for all” immigration policy and to top it all off has increased taxes across the board. Some of his achievements like gay marriages, and promoting women’s rights are so small in comparison to his many errors that they pale in comparison.
A replacement is required in my opinion, and the only logical candidates are PP’s Mariano Rajoy or UP&D Rosa Diaz.

Jose, Vigo, Spain

Interesting to see how many spaniards read the Times, most of them look like PP supporters. Well , I am sorry for you PPeros but you'll be out of power 4 more years. Maybe next time your idols can propose some ideas that help Spain instead of accusing ZP and the others of whatever comes to their minds (if any). Enjoy your next 4 years of freedom or if you don't care about that just go to Irak and have a good time fixing it because you helped to create that mess.

Steven, San Francisco,

Spain needs a change. Therefore nations which are in State's structure like Catalonia or Basque country need their independence

Borja, Lleida,

I´m convinced that PSOE, will get the majority of votes in order to be the next 4 years the Spanish Govrmnt.

Mariano, Tenerife, Spain

All decent socialists should refrain of voting zapatero on sunday after todays crime. He's the only president that has lead the terrorists to control and find the way to finance their crimes with our money lets defeat terrorism with determination and being clear and strong policy

marta, madrid, spain

Zapatero, for three years and a half, has been talking to terrorists, even the airport terminal T-4 in Madrid were blowed up, with results of two men dead.
Now, the last day before election day, with one more killing in Spain, he is the number one´s enemy for terrorists.
I´m sure he´s lying once again and if reelected, I hope not, will talk to terrorist again. No person can make a policy today and a different tomorrow. I wish such change, but leaded by a different president. On next sunday I wish Rajoy wins for leading this change.

Miguel, Málaga, Spain

Spain is a better country with Zapatero.

frank, barcelona, spain

Viva Zapatero!!!!
This Sunday, All of us going to vote for Zapatero; the best president in the history of Spanish Democracy.

Socialists to win!!!!!!!!!
Zapatero The best!!!!!!!!!

Oscar, Bilbao, Spain

Good luck Zapatero!! I hope see you as president on Monday again

Javier, Sevilla, Spain

Something happens in a country where the first question after a murder is "who does obtain benefit from this?". Bad day to be Spanish.

Iván, Asturias, Spain

Zapatero is the worst president ever in Spain.

Luis, Sevilla, España

PP is the worst thing that could ever happened to Spain ever. I´m going to vote for left wing.

Marta, Las Palmas Gran Canaria, Spain

Up with Zapatero

Marcelo de Aza, Cáceres, Spain

I am an Irish resident in Spain.
Zapatero would be my vote if I had one this Sunday.
I really hope that Spain will have the chance to strengthen and develop the social policies( ley de la dependencia etc) that the socialist government have been implementing over the past four years.
I am less optimistic about their potential to strengthen the economic situation but strongly believe in Spain that you make your own luck: set up on your own or become a funcionario....
Sarah, Madrid

Sarah, Madrid, Spain

I have lived half of my life under Franco's regime, and was glad when "democracy" came to Spain. I don't want to say what maybe many still say "against Franco we lived better". But, unfortunately, y still feel that the division of the "two Spains" is too much used. I would like to think of one country, with people who have many different points of view, but who - defending their own - don't denigrate different opinions. I vote generally for PP (I didn't 2004 because I think they shouldn't get involved in the Irak war) but I think they did a good work before that raising up the Spanish economy, and fighting for Spain's recognition in the UE. Many of my friends and family may not vote like me, but I respect their decision and don't nick name them as many socialist try to do with the 9,5 million Spaniards who 2004 voted PP calling them "fascists". I find this says very little in favor of their sense of "democracy" which for me means "respect to be respected".

Catalina, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador

Zapatero is the worst President in spanish history.
I will vote for PP.

VIVA ESPAÑA!!!

Alicia, Burgos, Spain

Three sins of the mister Zapatero: Territorial politics, negotiation with ETA and economy.
This Spanish prime minister is an apprentice of Chamberlain. Spain needs a men as Churchill!!!

julio llorente, Madrid, Spain

I'm a Spanish living in the UK. I hope Times' poll is not reflecting this Sunday's election results. Otherwise, Zapatero would be ruling our future again... But I must say that the situation will be even worse if non of the 'big' parties (PP, PSOE) have an absolute majority, then Spain would be ruled again by the catalonian and basque minority parties.

Patrizia, Nottingham,

Today I have listened in the radio how a school teacher asked his pupils what "right" and "left" was. Is this a concept that should be explained at school refering it to the main parties of Spain? Which of them is better might be the next concept to tell the young kids, who knows? We are in the 21st century and this is obsolete. And if it is used to tell them that left or right is better than the other, this is not a real democracy.

Alvaro Gimenez, Malaga, Spain

ok, if we the Spaniards do not have to be afraid of Franco,s shadows, then say to us why Major Oreja (PP) referred the dictatorship as a pelasant time.Explain the British people why PP have refused from voting the historical memory act and why PP supports general mena, well known because his statements against the rule of law

kiko, madrid, spain

I am a Spanish living in UK for 10 years and I am appalled by some of the comments here. It is so easy to dismiss perfectly reasonable proposals from the PP by calling them fascist. Dont you have any better arguments? Let me remind you that Spain is now a mature democratic country and than Franco died 30 years ago, before some of you were even born. The fear that Franco is coming back doesnt work any more, sorry. I get the impression that the socialist are more sectarian than the PP, putting ideology first, well before the wellbeing of the Spaniards in relation to some fundamental things. They are responsible for breaking key institutional consensus in the last 4 years which should be beyond party politics.

Ellie, Manchester,

Zapatero has not done anything regarding economics in the last 4 years. Economics are the key for new social premises.

Zapatero is encouraging to live without making any effort. This is what happened in Andalucia in the last 26 years, and this is whay Andalucia has been for 26 years the poorest region in Spain. (To Wojcik from Malaga).

I do not agree with Rajoy in many things, specially regarding social advantages, but the worst think that coudl happen is to encourage the people to be lazy.

And also to Wojcik, I do not know what you call fascits population, but I can introduce you some in the basque country.

Basque, San Sebastian, Spain

I am Spanish, i am living in England and i have already voted for Zapatero. I hope he will be again our President for the next four years.

Maria, Daventry,

I am a spanish 20 year old boy. I don´t realy vote for the popular party because of my family but because I feel the Mr Zapatero is a real problem for our country and, as here in Spain there is no freedom, specialy at the norht east and and middle north, I would like to expose here my opinion about the left thet is killing Spain. Here nevever mind if the president changes his politics in a couple of months, even if he sais somthing today, tomorow you can hear the opposite and nobody criticies him. Here, if the economy falls down nothing happens because they have every media informers. The control everything and they are eaven allowd to criticies the parti that is not governing in orther to seem that they are culprit of anythig they are making wrong. Mr Zapatero is a real anger for our country and for Spain, and I think it is enought with wathing the last debate and being a bit inteligent. For the happiness of Europe, I hope he lose the elections. thank u very much

vicente , barcelona, spain

Zapatero an Ultra-left politician? I don't think so. I'm not agree with the idea of Spain on both candidates, in fact, i'm not agree of Spain. This elections only means one idea of Spain, the old spanish castiglian nacionalism. The other countries or cultures only had any interess without the spanish nacionalism.

I'm form València, but i'm living and work in Italy (who we'll have soon elections too). I can vote in this elections but i don't want 'cause nothing changes. What's the matter about the citizens not castiglian nacionalists...? Nothing, in my opinion

Miquel, Pavia, Italy

Hello Fellow Times worldwide readers:

Mr. Zapatero says: ' go and vote, whichever is your party, but vote'.

And a very important adviser or Mr. Rajoy said a few days in 'Finalcial times' : 'We want PSOE voters to stay at home on next Sunday (elections' day)'

Is this democracy? We've been almost 40 years through Franco's dictatorship to hear this from a member of a political party of our Democracy in 2008.

Please..

Francisco Galindo, Linares, Spain / Jaen

How can somebody talk about human rights while first there have been political detention on democracy during the government of zp. How can someboby talk about democracy when zp has created a subject on schools to indoctrinate our children on his own believes. if I have read that somebody has written about facism and PP. Do you really know what facism means? Two days ago vicepresident De la Vega has been on a ESO institute, on Valencia, indoctrinating 16 years old childs. It's really fascism. If you really want to be free, please, do not vote ZP. Vote anyone other option.

Javier, Málaga, España

Viva Zapatero!

Miguel, Madrid, Spain

It's a pity to see comments form spanish people saying that the people that have a different point of view, different ideas than their own ideas, are fascist. I'm completely sure that english people will agree that the fascism implies somebody that doesn't respect other ideas than his own...

English people are also enough clever to realize that not all the people in Madrid vote for Partido Popular, not all the people in Andalucia vote for PSOE. Partido Popular had more 10.000.000 votes in the last elections, similar to the PSOE, and as you know, in Madrid only live 2.500.000 people with thr right to vote...

Ángel, Madrid, Spain

Next sunday I will Mr. Rajoy, because is a vote going to common sense. We now need a clear focus on the real problemas of Spain: unemployment, disordered inmigration, lack of security, economic crisis, education. Te artificial debates we had past four years have produced just one result: reduce our capacity to compite and gain in a global world. We are now in a worst position to play a role in economic and social life in Europe.
Unfortunatly, Spain stills vote ideologically, and that is one of our weaknessess. No matter the results, no matter the cost if they are coming from "the people on my side".
The old arguments apelling to "civil war" or "franquism" are just that: arguments for 20 th century . We need to face the future, accept the challenge of our times and work together to define our role in this global world.

Elena Pérez, madrid, spain

I Will vote for Partido Popular because in inmigration, economy and integrity against to ETA es better than PSOE.

Luis, Segovia, Spain

Antonia @ Madrid.

With all respect, your arguments are way too simplistic. Would you be responsible of your grandparents offences and crimes??? Of course not. Let's look into the future and stop sowing the seeds of past hate.

There's only one responsible of a murder: THE MURDERER !!! Now it's time to go hand on hand and say NO to ETA. Can we do it together???? You have my hand.... Can I count with yours?

Raul, Madrid, Spain

Zapatero deserves a new victory, as he is a model for modern politicians that are really needed in Spain. He might not be particularly brilliant, but he is moderate and honest, two characteristics rare to be found in Spanish politicians. Unfortunately, Spanish politics are still too influenced by forty years of fascist dictatorship. This is especially true in the case of the right wing party PP, which still owns too much in its manners and understanding of a society that has moved forward in the last decades. It is a general opinion that PP never accepted the democratic results of last elections. They think that people voted under the shock of the terrorist attack and they have based all their efforts on delegitimating our Government. It is as if they were the only ones entitled to be in power. That is why this Sunday's elections are so decisive. It is not only about forming a new Government, it is about triggering a necessary refoundation of Spanish right wing towards a modern model.

David, Rotterdam,

I hope that readers of this web site do not take this comments as a portrayal of Spanish manners and thoughts. I feel a bit ashamed when reading them. As for Antonia (Madrid), sorry, but I am Spanish, I live in the Netherlands, and I don't like somebody telling me whether I should stay abroad or not. Really, Spaniards still have a lot to learn about democracy and about doing politics with reasons and not with guts.

David, Rotterdam,

I will vote for PARTIDO POPULAR. Spain is no longer Spain, it is now called QUITO, no work, no house and bad hospitals.

z_ETA_p is a killer !!!! He has killed Spain, the social security, and a long etc..........

Jose, Alicante, SPAIN

ETA has just killed a socialist politician in the Basque Country.

Too many foul-mouthed Spanish people writing in this thread should be ashamed of their dirty language. But I will not expect them to do so. They are children and grandchildren of the people who accused poor president Azana of spearheading bolshevism.

Shame on you!

Antonia, Madrid, Spain

ETA is not a Basque separatist group

IT'S A TERRORIST GANG

which survives thanks to killing civilian people, blackmailing and threateaning every single Spaniard.

Please, stop calling them like if they weren't killers

David Carbajales, Barcelona, Spain

In Spain, we have the most extreme right of Europe next to the Pole. They are antidemocratic and when they govern, laws are not approved that favor the town, but if to the powerful ones and to those who more money has. Zapatero would have to continue to prop up his favorecedoras laws for the workers
I feel to speak the English badly

Pedro, vitoria, Spain

The PP, party of extreme right, has not done in four years but that opposition, confrontation and permanent lie. It hurt much to have to leave the government them and they have torpedoed it permanently. Mientrar political like Zaplana and Acebes, supported by the Aznar guerrilla does not leave, the right will follow in their extremism. Greetings

Pedro, vitoria, Spain

I feel so proud of our President (Zapatero) for so many reason sthat they can't be written here in a simple comment. He has done so much for our country in a truly effort to improved all the chaos left by the PP. He is a honest person worried about the people more than the country itself. I'm so scared that this Sunday PP may win. Those who think PP should win, think twice guys because the whole coutnry will go backwards at all the levels and we do not so want that, do we???
ANIMO ZAPATERO, ESTAMOS CONTIGO!!

Montserrat, Terrassa, Barcelona

When the Popoular Party formed Government in 1996 the uneemployment rate was at 2% and the social security was bankrupt and unable to meet its' commitments to the public. Eighte years later and due to the reforms done under the PP Government the unemployment rate had fallen to 11% and the social security's duties had been secured and showed in the black. ETA had been extremely weakened by truthful and loyal application of the laws, not through the death squadrons operating during the government of the socialist party. After four years of socialist rule no economic, labour, tax reforms worth noting were put in effect and the economic growth based on the PP reforms lost its inertia. Employment which (afetr some fanciful equation fiddling) had been computed at 8,6% is now growing at 4.200 jobs lost per day in the last two months. The economy and the industry have lost competitve edge, and differential with Europe in economic growth, inflation, etc are increasing. PSOE has weakened us

José, Madrid,

ETA(BASQUE REVOLUTIONARY ARMY) has murdered a councilman PSOE(SPANISH SOCIALIST PARTY), will PP dare to throw the fault to Cobbler? Or to saying that they continue negotiating with the terrorists?
I wait a bit of common sense in the PP.
My more felt condolence with the family and with the PSOE(SPANISH SOCIALIST PARTY).
ZP spirit!

Jose, Oviedo, Spain

ETA equals cheap assassins with nothing to do, no cause to win, no reason behind their acts, no ideology. They killed again this morning an innocent man. ABSURD PEOPLE. Please careful how you report, they are a bunch of assassins

Aman, Pontevedra, Spain

I support other country fellows in asking you please to stop describing ETA killers as a "basque separatist group". We as Spaniards have always expressed our solidarity with countries suffering the plague of terrorism. One of those was UK, when IRA scattered terror, rage and death over Britain and Ireland. Would kindly ask you to do same with us, now and ever: ETA is a terrorist band, full stop.

Going to the elections on Sunday, we better try to bring common sense to the table, put aside our guts and start using our brain. To me, Zapatero has been a bad president, but for sure he's not the reincarnation of Lenin. He will neither dismantle Spain nor give it as prize to the terrorist. Rajoy is possibly not a brilliant guy, but trust me he is not the son of Franco and neither represents the ultra-right wave of Le Pen and others.

Once putting our feet on the ground of reasoning, I'll vote for Rajoy on Sunday, fully respecting that others won't do the same. Democracy means respect.

Raul, Madrid, Spain

Spanish economy is fine (considering international framework), we have gained social rights, we have recovered our role in international policy (no more illegal wars, no more USA lap dog), we are adressing climate change and other environmental challenges (like water management)...

I just dont see the point of changing the Goverment we have right now. This is not like 1996 or 2004, when a change was desperately needed.

Therefore I will vote for the socialdemocrat party again, like I did on 2004. They deserve another round.

Eduardo, Humanes, Madrid

It seems that "The Times" doesn't consider 800 deaths, thousands of wounded persons, tenths of kidnapped individuals, thousands of forced emigrants from the Basque Country or all the people under threat today as enough to call ETA what it is: TERRORIST. Shame on you.

Pedro, Dublin, Ireland

David from Gerona wrote:

National Socialism parties (PNV, ERC, BNG, CIU......)

Little he seems to know that CIU and PNV are conservative parties not socialist parties but this is what happens with supporters of RAJOY: facts, reason... they just don't matter.

I am not a socialist but a liberal. I would probably vote for a party led by Gallardon but this man is too moderate and reasonable for his own party (PP) to take him seriously.

The choice for me is clear, Zapatero is right man to continue modernising Spain.

Nuffit, london, London

Well. If Z wins on Sunday, i hope you inviting me to live in your country.
Z has been the worst president in spanish recently history, only worried about stupid and old issues and talking whith killers and not about important things like economy, employment, mortgages....
I wish Rajoy to win and Spain will go to Europe and western world back again.

ALFREDO, Zaragoza, Spain

Just to add a bit more, I love the polititians that did what they promised. He promised to increase the mimum salary to a 600€. Done. He promised to increase the minimum retirement every year double than the inflation rate. Done. He promised the gay marriage. Done. He promised the spanish troops of Iraq will come back. Done. He promise a new law and money for the people that have ill persons or handicaped in his family and take care of that. Done. He promised a new way to do politics, with dialog, lots of dialog, with the oposition of the Popular Party, but done. Lots's of infrastructures like 500Km of High speed trains (see http://meneame.net/story/espana-nuevo-ave-ejemplo-ferroviario-seguir-britanicos)
He made mistakes, of course, but he is an honest person, he deliver in what he commits and nowadays this is really a must.

eolosbcn, Mataró, Barcelona

The government of ZP every time looks like mas a dictatorship. All the TV's means and great part (report) of the written press are manipulated. Thankfully, still (yet) we can arrange it in the choices (elections) of March 9. I vote for Mariano Rajoy. I also hate ZP. The number of unemployed does not stop increasing and there are companies as PANRICO who cannot declare in suspension of payments up to that the choices (elections) happen(pass) on order of the government. ZP is a dictator, as his friend Hugo Chavez

vic, Valencia, Spain

That chance for the most part the commentaries come supporting the PP! Seem to me to be very strange! The majority of these commentaries come directed from her(it) sedate from the PP and of related newspapers to this party. Bear it in mind.
They do not correspond with the opinions that appear in national means.
There are links in all the pages of Spanish related newspapers to the PP to leave the opinion opposite to the government of Cobbler

Jose, gijón, Spain

I am Spanish and i hope Zapatero wins. The Popular Party has ideas about fascism in XX century that would be illegal in many european countries.

Manuel, Cádiz,

PP party is spanish right-wing, but it's completely different from any other european right-wingers. They are a reminiscent of Franco's dictatorship (and they long and pray for another one). They are not neocons but teocons: catholic integrists who wants spanish laws driven by Catholic church.

If they win, it's me who will emigrate, for sure

Carlos Fdez., Madrid, Spain

Yes, Mr.Jaime, it was written in catalan and not in Spanish or English...VIOLETA... You understand the word do you? So you have the explanation ...Well, if you believe Zp is a comunist, I'n not sure you understand...

Joan, Barcelona,

Many people are saying that if ZP win, it is the end of Spain. I heard this so many times from right-wing people that I am afraid it is not the last time. Spain is too strong to be breaken up by one person.

vicente, Madrid,

Mr. Zapatero will win on Sunday, no doubt about it.

He's been 4 years talking for the little groups and organizations close to him but he's done very little for the majority of the spaniards. He will win on sunday but he has to understand he's been a big deception for the spanish socialists. For that reason I have mailed my vote, but it is not for him.

Alejandro, Dublin,

My vote will definetely be for Zapatero. I don´t think he is the president I want for my beloved Spain, but its the best option of all available (unfortunately the 2nd option is Rajoy, who does not seem to be prepare for such a responsibility (I would have prefered Aznar to be the other option (then I would have to think hard to decide, but now its clear, the option is ZP).

Martín, Madrid, Spain

The spanish are with ZAPATERO!!. The best president possible!.

Madrileño, MADRID, ESPAÑA

They are really catastrophic. I do not agree with PP vehement but empty proposals (e.g. mgp in its previous comment). Any reference to Zapatero’s communist sense is illusory. Spanish PSOE did not sign the International more than 80 years ago. Since that fact, obviously PSOE and their supporters have made some mistakes, but anyone comparable to a coup d’état, civil war, etc. or, nowadays, in democracy, to send Spanish army to an illegal war, to lie about the greatest terrorist attack ever suffered in Spain, etc. Their strategy is to make as much noise as possible, afterwards being silent and finally blaming it all on PSOE. Everybody with a basic knowledge of psychology could conclude that such attitude is unhealthy, and therefore not worthy to be chosen next Monday. Why do conservators behave as victims? Maybe, it is only because they feel themselves as the heirs of the control and power of Spain. They really do not realise about what happens in democracy. People votes, our vote make us citizens. Be realistic, consistent and dialogist. It is highly needed in a country ideologically split in order to find fraternity and respect.

Alberto Delgado, Madrid, Spain

I hope the Spanish PM Zapatero will be the first in losing the election next Sunday after have been leading the country only for 4 years.
It has divided the Spanish society in two groups, one against the other, as it happened in 1936, fact that led the country to the Spanish Civil War.
So then, I will vote for Rajoy.

Daniel.Barcelona.Spain.

Daniel Cabrera, Barcelona, Spain

It's been four years of campaign against the "rightwing" party, PP, more than a government we have had PSOE in opposition opposing the opposition using all the tools available to them, TV1, tv2, la sexta, chan 5, the cuatro, news papers under the prisa group and radio stations, except for COPE which they have tried to shutdown. The propaganda has been incredible. The lack of respect towards other parties, not only PP but also UP&D has been disgusting. YET, I feel that we have enough empty-headed voters who will make ZP win. Another 4 years of lies and manipulations. We have, what we deserve.

vivi, Santander, Spain

It is amazing sometimes to read these kind of commentaries in English, I thought I was reading about Bush supporters but YOU guys, you are Spanish and as far as I see, not well travelled.

I wish our country will keep the trend, will continous developing social rights and finish to stablish a strong democratic base.

I wish we will have a democratic moderated right wing party and also that we will finish to erase this extreme right ancien party which it can be just compared with the Polish twins and Le Pen.

Go ahead, NO PASARAN!

Juan Martinez, Paris, France

Sorry, Michael from England, but you don´t know what you´re speaking about. I´m spanish and i´m with pp. The corruption is the PSOE especiality. In Andalucia they have Chaves ( a socialist president) since 1982, and it´s the place with more unemployed and worst education level in all Spain.
The previous president of Spain before Aznar (F. González) made a very important hole in our counts. In twelve years the money dissapeared. It was very difficult for us reach the economic level that was necessary for the euro. So i´m praying for Zapatero´s losing.His way looks very like Gonzalez´s one
I hope you can understand my explanation.Sorry my bad english.

Cris, España, España

Spanish Polls reveals the bad things done by Zapatero as for example, letting separatist groups in Cataluña almost erradicate Spanish and making a linguistic genocide in this Autonomic Community, where all oficial matters are in catalan and not bilingual as it is stated by the Estatut and the Constitution, as Spanish is official here in Cataluña too.
On the other hand, PSOE has also done some good things as for example many free higways throught Spain.

PP did some good things as for example taking out the compulsory Military Service and also they pushed up the economy, but also supported the linguistic genocide here in Cataluña, though now they are changing their mind, but they obviously support rich people more than to middle and poor classes and they took Spain to the Irak inmoral War.

Even Ciutadans is a rotten party .

So the best moral and pragamatic option is UPyD,

Pls, ETA is a terrorist gang, unless Bin Laden is Teresa de Calcuta, Thomas Catan is lying

M Dolores, Barcelona, Spain

I do not expect there are a lot of British people reading this chain of unspeakable remarks. In case some British anthropologist is interested in having some research about Francoist "aggiornamento", this thread is a fine place to gather most of the data they need.

I feel deeply ashamed of some of my so-called "fellow countrymen and women". Reading this thread, I have had the bad experience of meeting people I would not have met otherwise . Those living abroad, please, PLEASE, stay there. And the apocaliptic bad spoken Spanish people living in Spain, please considere improving your careers ABROAD.

Shame on you!

Antonia, Madrid, Spain

Wow, It seems that Thomas Catan doen't live in Spain. Last elections (2004), two million people voted for Zapatero because they believed that Aznar was lying to them. This two million people will either stay at home this time or vote for other political options. The truth is that ordinary citizens are really fed up. ZAPATERO has been the worst president in Spain for centuries.

Jack, Alicante, Spain

Spaniards do not deserve Zapatero's re-election. This unreliable and untruthful president will undoubtedly lead us to more unemployment and social friction. He has no idea of how to handle an economic crisis and how to deal with the immigration problem. God have a mercy on us.

Javier Pére3z, Seville, Spain

I wish Mr M.Rajoy win GE, 'cause that will say how much mature Spanish people are and also Mr.Rajoy will lead Spain back to Europe and USA, four years away dealing with" Democratcic" leaders like H.Chaves in Venezuela, Castro in Cuba or Mohamed VI in Morocco that terrorist attack in Madrid on M-11was supposed-to-be arranged from.
Juan
Badajoz
Spain

juan, badajoz, Spain

Dear all,

On Sunday I will go to vote in a richer, opener and better country than four years ago therefore my vote will be for Mr. Rodriguez Zapatero. He has compliment with what he said and so he deserves my vote (again).

Have your say in polls and do not try to convice trough fear and lies. It is not good for you neither for the society that most of us we are trying to improve (not to destroy like you).

Bravo Señor Zapatero!

Paco, Alicante, Spain

Zapatero should win because of his own merits - tolerance, openess, solid economic policy (Solbes ex-EU commissioner!) etc - but also because the PP is truly dangerous. It would be quite fair to compare them to Bush's Republicans - in fact they were seen as they lackeys when supporting the Iraq war.
Besides, they lied over the 11M bombings and try to erode the Socialists by saying they negotiated with ETA, while they also did.
They also blame them for the economic situation, while its just the results of the seeds they planted - and the construction boom had to come to an end, after all.
Worse, they criticize inmigration and relate it to insecurity, while most came when they were in power and they reduced police numbers!
Also, their centralist policies create unpredictable griveances in many areas, notably Catalonia, where citizens voted 75% for a German-style increased autonomy. They're authoritarian, with extreme-right tendencies, and rely on rancid nationalism to win votes ETC

Marc, London,

We will emigrate to the UK if ZP wins general election. We hate ZP. Shame on YOU,ZP!!

mgp, SPAIN, Spain

It's really dramatic. The socialist party with his comunist sense is driving spain out of the serious world. I think Zapatero and his party are running bihind "idols" like Chavez, Fidel Castro, Correa... what a future for this country.
The last new's from today, of course supported by Zapateros party... A campaign for the working women's day in the spanish autonomic region of catalonia, started with a poster in 24 langages (without spanish and english). Sorry.. but if some spaniard is so innocent to suport PSOE and his way to get votes from the nationalist political group, then he is not innocent but ignorant.
It's a mess for this country. No security, no ideas, a very weak government running out of money from the EU... that's not the future.

Jaime, Luzern, Switzerland

The problem with the Popular Party is that they lack any credibility among moderate Spaniards. Their leaders are exactly the same which supported a very unpopular war decided outside of the Parliament, the same who accused ETA of causing the 11M bombings while everyone could realise it had been the work of islamic radicals. The same who have repeatedly used terrorism to gain new votes. The same people who have turned the Spanish Courts into another arena of political fighting, including fake accusations to the Constitutional Court. The same people who have put some Spaniards against others, on the basis of false regional privileges, civil rights or religion. But it all gets worse if you look at their nonsense economic proposals. I would like to know why, 2 days before the election, we still do not know who would be their Minister of Economy (Chancellor of the Exchequer). They need a deep renovation.

Carlos, London,

The poll is done by "Sigma Dos"... a well known socialist-tending company... I'm sure the spanish people will give their trust to the only party that has given realistic proposals to the economic crisis, the problem of inmigration and terrorism.. the only party that can solve those problems right now is PP.

Marcos, Valencia, Spain

In my personal opinion, Zapatero is just what Spain needs, he is fresh air in a rotten country, where social problems were ignored, as well as the social points of view regarding the war in Irak, the social health system, the education law... I had never gone to so many demonstrations in my whole life as in the years before Zapatero became president.
I hope he wins and ends up what he already started, more social policies, less rights for the catholic church, trials to improve our society with dialogue and not with demagogy.
I support him talking with ETA, it is the only way to get out of this conflict, not giving them anything (politicaly) but talking, is the only way to make them see, there's no place for violence...

he's done well and I support him! I am proud to be spanish with him as a president!

Maria, Mdrid,

We were always told there was two Spains fighting blodly eachother, The truth it's that there are many spains... fighting bloddly eachother. But one thing seems to b certain and is not that bad. The future of spain will be decided by the spanish left and the nationalists as the right becomes each and every day weaker. All this noise the spanish right and church are making is the very consequence of their despair as they watch the power run away. The right is only able to win with very relative majority in spain when spanish people give up voting.

rf, merida, spain

ZP has been the worst PM for my loved Basque Country, and for our kind Spain.

In the Basque Country, there are one million people which are, even in 08, censoring themselves everyday (words & acts!!), just for not having serious problems in their normal lifes and in the lifes of their kids and families.

So, please, we have to be serious on this: the freedom is very very very low in the BC!!!!

Thanks to ZP, their agressive 'nazzionalists' have now even much more power than in our near and sad past, when 'nazzionalists ' have been controlling each institution in my BC for 31 years, and at the same time, 'they' have been attacking, during these 31 years, every Spanish item, mostly not facing them but killing them from their backs.

I love heroes like Rosa Díez and María San Gil: I love you two!!

Poor Spain if ZP continues as our PM.

Poor Spain and 'poor poor poor Basque Country'.

Athleeeeeeeeeeetic!!!! ........ Eúp!!!!!!!

José Ignacio Solaeche, Bilbao 1.964

José Ignacio Solaeche, Bilbao, Spain

No matter which party we support we can not tolerate calling Eta "the violent Basque separatist group".
PLease, they are terrorists, not romantic fighers.

Juanjo, madrid,

Mr Rajoy is the best choice to Spainwhit people.
Mr Zapatero has built a toons country,and in Spain polls are nor really because people dont says in public their preferences.

Manuel Sendin Fernandez, Toledo, Spain

For all non Spanish readers that have had the stomach to read all the "debate" reflected in these comments, well I admire you for your patience. Unfortuantely this is the level of debate and discussion in Spain nowadays, both among the citiznes and the politicians.

Spanish politics are more and more like teh football league, with irrational (by this I mean without logical thought or reflection) commitment to a party and unconditional defense of that party no matter what. A sad view.

The other main problem in Spain is the rethorical perversion of political representation over the past four years. Political comentators and politicians seam to forget continously that the PP is more that just a party and its leaders, it also represents 9.5 million people that voted them four years ago. Instead it is too common to hear that the PP is "alone" counting the support by number of parties instead of number of MPs.

Ivan Lopez, Vigo, Spain

A lot of (too many) messages posted are full of resentment. No believable arguments, just resentment. When I read things like "Zapatero's victory will be the end of Spain" (What????) I cringe... As I said, just resentment, no believable arguments.
Come on! Be real! Things are not bad at all in Spain, quite the contrary. As I said before, after living 7 years abroad, I come back each time to a country changed for the better, more open, modernised... Some of our/my European friends envy us. If you are a Spanish citizen, you should be talking wonders about your country. Be happy and less angry for no reason! Life is too short! :-)

Maribel, London, UK (now in Spain)

I want a Gobernment which find solutions for ETA problem, so I want they talk with the terrorists! I am fed up of hearing PP people saying ZP is a liar and not a good spanish when most of spanish people aim the conversations!

Maria, Madrid, Spain

My vote is for ZP!
May be next time, with Alberto Ruiz Gallardon as PP leader, I will consider to change my vote.

regards.

Javier, Antwerpen, Belgium

Hello all,

There are so many things said about Zapatero in here I could not find in any papers .

However what I have found is that AP / PP was against:

-Constitution
-EU membership
-Divorce
-Abortion
-Law for equality of women
-So many laws for Civil rights
-Etc

They were not against NATO but they asked not to vote in the referendum.

Can anybody explain to us how can this party be the keeper of democracy in Spain?

The answer on Sunday

Paco , Paris, France

We all deserves a 4 year socialist Government out from pp darkness and bad ways .
" the more they claim the best Zapatero rules"

David, madrid,

BREAD and CIRCUS.
Spanish politics are, in many aspects, like football: A large numbre of supporters may disagree completely with the couch's decisions or the management, but they will never support a different team. This is what happens with the left and the right in Spain. However, there is s slight but important difference between voters; traditionally, the majority of left voters are loyal 'to death' no matter what their 'team' does, whereas the right suffers more from shifting voters (the ones who really think about which party deserves their vote depending on programme and performance). So the advantage is clearly with PSOE, as the recent polls show, since not only they can count on their die-hards, but also they seem to be atracting this time the majority of young voters. This 'football politics' demonstrate that Spanish democracy still needs many more years to mature (perhaps until the civil war ghosts are just that: ghosts, past history). The risk is ending like Venezuela...

Felix, London, UK

I hope you will never have a liar as prime minister as we have had here in Spain during these four years.

FABIO, ARENYS DE MAR, BARCELONA / SPAIN

I don't know who cooks the polls in Spain but after several years of looking at them we all know that they are actually good for nothing.

More important than the difference in votes between both parties is where the difference takes place due to the law that calculates the distribution of seats in the Parliament . Even winning countrywide with a 3% of difference in votes, may end up with a draw in the Parliament. This mainly affects the socialists as they usually have more votes in regions where those don't yield other seats (Andalucia and Catalonia)

Let's see. We don't see that clear what is going to happen.

Luis, Madrid,

Only a brand new politicial party such as UPyD leaded by former socialist Euro-MP Rosa Díez will provide Spain with the regeneration of democracy that is absolutely needed together with a fresh view of civil rigths specially in Education and the defeat ot terrorism.

Francisco Calle, Seville, Spain

A vote for the Rajoy lead PP (Party UN Popular) will be a vote condoning corruption! Bribary and graft is a maintay of PP tactics at every level of their local and national governing, almot by traddition, just look at the number of PP mayors under investigation / from Valencia, Andalucia and acros the Nation. BUT nothing gets done in Spain without some "graft".
The trouble with Zapetero is he is a bit like a Tony Blair clone, all sound bites and not enough substance and action. If any of them realy wanted to improve life in Spain, they would take real action to halt political fraud and corruption, and close all the "convenient" black economy holes.

Michael J Morris, Scunthorpe, England

Mr. Zapatero has introduced modern laws into Europe, such as allowing homosexuals to marry legally. He has been praised for the social improvements in the country, in only 4 years.

Mr. Rajoy, on the other side, has uniquely criticised Zapatero's government over the past 4 years, without offering any kind of alternative whatsoever to citizens. Besides, he's been confrontating Spaniards from several regions, by spreading the thought that people from Catalonia (Barcelona region) are mean and insolidary in their contributions to the rest of Spain, where the truth is that the region is the real economic engine of Spain.

The country faces a new phase. Zapatero looks like the right president for the Spanish society.

John Edwards, Rye, East Sussex, UK

The main problem in Spain is that there is a National Socialism (NAZIS) movement growing up in Vascongadas (Basque country) and Catalonia and they hide themself after Franco's shadow. Franco's died 40 years ago and nobody want to keep him alive, nobody except the National Socialism parties (PNV, ERC, BNG, CIU......) which need him to excuse theirself and attack the conservative right wind (PP). trying to identify them with Franco, nothing is as far from the real word.

We are in serius danger, these parties are educating people to hate and this will lead us to another civil war.

David, Gerona, Spain

Politicians are all very much alike. Both PP and PSOE have lied (or played with the truth in terrorism related matters). They both offer similar things to Spain (one has to hear PP -those "fascists" and catholic oriented people saying that they will not change the gay marriage law).

The main differences lie in the people that access the power.

Zapatero: Naive and with odd priorities (like going back to the Civil War). He seems like an honest man... just not prepared enough for the job. He made a TERRIBLE job choosing ministers.

Rajoy: Too many debts (with Aznar, with the party). His term in the opposition has been awful. Too radical in his views of politics, not what Spaniards want to hear these days. He is a better "professional" politician in terms of managing things... but should not win the elections.

The sad truth about Spain is that the debate is getting simplified (left and right wing parties, fascists and socialists). The truth is that there is not that much difference.

Enrique, Valencia, Spain

For the good of Spain, let Rajoy loose so that the PP can renew itself and do away with those pre-modern right-wing politicians that lead it today.

Mercedes García Lenberg, Madrid,

In my opinion, there is still lots of resentment in Spain. It's hard to believe that there is still lots of people blaming others for what happened during our Civil War and during the Franco era. Most people have moved on, but, Zapatero and his political team seem to be on a mission to instigate hate among people in Spain. I think that if he gets re-elected on Sunday, it is certainly going to be very damaging for the economic growth of Spain, and we will get in much deeper trouble in areas like education, unemployment and the education system. Since he came into power, we have lost the support of many key countries in the world and he has also antagonized us with others. In the meantime, he is all too busy making embarrasing deals with dictators and corrupted presidents such as Castro and Chaves. I think it is about time Spanish people take a hard look at the state in which Zapatero has left the country and start giving him his marching orders on Sunday the 9th. Let's do it!

Alberto, London, United Kingdom

I don't agree with the general view that Popular Party has used the terrorism to obtain political advantage (I mean, for sure not only them). The Socialist Party has negotiate with ETA in political terms, and it was using the potential "end-of-violence" scenario to get votes. In the last debate between candidates, Zapatero argued with the number of people killed by terrorism during this last 4 years, counting those persons as just numbers to win the favour of the audience, thats the worst thing I heard during the whole campaign.

Miguel, Madrid, Spain

ETA is a Assassin gang, Please do not use the term "Basque separatist". They kill people, The work like mafia.

ETa has killed nearly 1.000 inocents people.

heralojo, madrid, spain

I am Spaniard: I strongly support Prime Ministsr Zapatero and the PSOE. I hope that they will get a large majority for four more years of progressive, democratic government in Spain. The Popular Party is an extremist , ultra-rightist group, nostalgic of the dictatorship of Franco and in partnership with the most reactionary elements of the Catholic Church. Their return to power would be a major disaster for Spain and a clear setback for democracy in the whole of Europe. They have more in common with the ultra-fascist elements like Le Pen than with the British Conservatives or the German Christain Democrats. Dont be misled by their hypocritical claims.

Juan Manuel, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

It's absolutely necessary to avoid election of such a liars as Rajoy, Zaplana and Acebes.

¡España Republicana ya!, Madrid,

I really can´t belive that serious media still supporting the idea that "the Madrid train bombings was the work of Islamic radicals". These means two things: or Tomas Catan knows absolutely nothing obut it, or is a liar supporting Zapatero´s lies.

Luis Canizares, Vinaroz, Spain

Zapatero will win, there's no dount about that. And it will be the death of Spain as we know it. PSOE will break up the country and then that's when the real problems will start.
They constantly call the PP fascists to scare the populas towards the left. It's an embaressment as there is some very basic thought about politics here in spain. It's all FACSISM and COMMUNISM. When are they going to face up to the fact that the nineteen forties are long gone.
As someone says, our best allies are Morroco and Venezuela and those lunatic south american countries. we should be building strong ties with the US, UK , France etc.
Mind you, saying all that, I'm not too convinced that Rajoy is the man for the job. He fumbles through the discussions that he has with ZP and watching then together looks like a meeting of the local paper mache club rather than two contenders for the leadership of one of the most dynamic countries in the world.

Doesn't look good which ever way it goes

David, Madrid,

ETA "a violent separatist group" ?... so AL QAEDA is " violent religious group?. Please, they are terrorist !!!

rfk, madrid, spain

How has been a liar during the last four years? This is the question that spanish people should worry about. Mr. Zapatero has said that:

- ANV and PCTV (political branches of ETA) were normal and constitutional partys (while all the society knew this is completelly false),
- Arnaldo Otegi was a peaceful man (while all the society knows this is completelly false), his an ETA supporter and political defender. Afterwards his was put on jail for interest of PSOE party.
- Terrorist De Juana Chaos, was not somebody to keep in jail (he has killed more than 20 people), only because this was one of the cnditions that ETA established to begin a truce of bombings.
- He established the "Tinell Pact", one of greatest damages to Democracy in Spain. This consisted in an agreement with several parties to exclude PP party of every decision and say that PP was against evry single thing that Gobernment proposed...
- He got caught saying that PSOE prefers TENSION and DRAMATISTM.
-Many more thing

Antonio , Madrid, SPAIN.

how people can say that ZP is the best president!!Come on, have a look!! Everybody must vote PP on Sunday or we are going to have a very bad four years of politics!

Ana, Barcelona, España

Popular Party in Spain has not learned the leason that the spanish people give them the past votation in 2004: we do not like liar politicians. During this campaign, they have been continuously lying again - e.g. saying that Mr. Zapatero has negotiated about Politics with ETA terrorists, when it is clear it has never occurred (in fact ETA started again with the bombs) or saying that economy is a complete disaster... when for example Spain has reached Italy... They have not done any single proposal for the future. They are not a real alternative. They need to renove all the Party (responsible people are quite the same that lied everybody from 11th to 14th in March, 2004 ). So I am convinced about the integrity and intelligence of Spanish people, which will re-elect Mr. Zapatero for 4 more years

Juan, Madrid,

Lets overcome bipartisan politics, let us say loud and clear that ETA is a terrorist group, let us get rid of the insatiable nationalists and vote for UPD!!

Ines, Madrid, Spain

Regarding Spanis Polls I say the same as Paul McCartney and Steve Wonder said in a song: "...People are the same wherever you go..." That´s my opinion about Rajoy and Zapatero. and most of the politicians in EU. Both of them are good & bad depending on the matter you deal with. Nevertheless i´ll vote to Rosa Diez UPyD and I encourage to everybody to check her. From my point of view it is the best & Rosa too.

Manuel, from La Huertezuela -Granada- España

Manuel, La Huertezuela -Granada-, España

Rajoy lied us? What about Zapatero?? The conversations are over, he said on 31st December, and the conversations still going on on January. Do you now what fascist means?? because i am not sure.
Just read Newsweek, The Times and many others.......and see what the world think of your beloved Zapatero. Stop talking about 11M, thats all you have to say?? Is it all the arguments you have?? Really, really sad...

Elena, Granada, Spain

Spain, as all developed countries, has to be managed as a big company, i mean, a very good CEO is needed. I remember how PP government sold at sale prices the large and profitable state owned companies such as Telefonica to highly foreign participated trusts. And I also remember how ZP defends national interests (banning the take over of strategic companies by foreign corporations). I do not mind whether Spain must become a confederation or remain as it is. I want it to be the country with the highest living quality in the world. I can not understand apocaliptics nor those who support any political party as if it were a football club...

Ignacio Rodriguez, Sondika, Spain

Eta is just a violent Basque separatist group. Yes, and the IRA is an Irish country club, Bin Laden an eccentric billionaire and Hamas only a bunch of friends looking for fun.

Please call the things properly. White is white, black is black and terrorists are terrorists.

David, Malaga, Spain

I am spaniard from Barcelona (fascist city?) my vote goes to Ciutadans we need to shut up the dobermann of nationalism and the national-socialism govertment of my region.
Freedom!

Nacho, Barcelona, España

Yesterday Zapatero spoke with ETA terrorist and tomorrow he will speak with ETA, Alquaeda, Farc etc...

José, Cádiz, España

Here's another "spaniard" living abroad. This sunday, if my flight is not delayed for hours, I will be in Barcelona to vote. I do agree that it's so sad to read and listen what the conservatives keep on saying and the kind of old-fashion and sometimes fascist laws they have to create if they go back to the government.

I will not say that Mr Zapatero is the very best PM that we can have, but - at least- he is the less worst (if this makes sense to you).

Both ZP and Rajoy know very well that all election polls say that their results are quite similar, so I will just say that those ones closer to the left-wing current president Zapatero MUST go to vote, as all Rajoy's ones know perfectly that the key of their success is to vote massively.

Hope on Sunday night we do have good news, sending home people like Acebes, Zaplana and Aguirre (the ones who lied 4 years ago and still represent the current fascism of those who still cry when remember Franco's dictatorship).

Regards!

Marc JM, Southampton, United Kingdom

It would be horrible other four years with Zapatero. He has been the worst president of spain in the democracy. Unemployment, high prices, corruption and talking to terrorists han been his main keys. Spain needs a new president and i think that Rajoy can be prime minister on 9 march. I hope so.

Josue, Jaén, SPAIN

Just a remark:
Dear Sirs/Madams, please consider ETA NOT as a "violent separatist group". In fact ETA is a TERRORIST group, which kills innocent people. Please ask to Omagh's citizens if the IRA is a separatist group as well.

miguel, madrid, spain

I find it both ridiculous and offensive that a newspaper like The Times calls ETA "a violent separatist group". I don't think that these are the terms it uses when referring to IRA (formerly), Al Qaeda or other groups whose only difference is in supposed political claims and not in means: shooting, bombing and threatening civilians and, through them, the whole democratic society they live in.

I prefer to think that the denomination you have employed for ETA is more based on ignorance, as it seems, than on a well thought perception.

Francisco, Almeria, Spain

Popular Party have used the victims of ETA in a political way and the anti-terrorist politics against Zapatero to gain votes, when in the past, the PSOE party has always supported Populars, despite they don't like their initiatives.
It must be forbidden to use such topics in a political way, and populars have done it so many times that they deserve to lose the elections on Sunday.

Júlia, Barcelona, Spain

I'm spaniard, now living abroad and I'm very sad when I listen to someone saying that Rajoy and his Popular Party don't want to make ETA disappear because they have been trying it for years and Popular Party members have been the most followed by terrorists from ETA.The only difference is that Zapatero has decided to speak (about politics) with terrorist even after killing 2 people at Madrid Airport, forgeting all its victims. Spain should be together against terrorist and with the victims caused by ETA. And ETA are simply terrorists, they aren't "violent Basque separatists"

Ramón, Pavia , Italy

Despite I don´t fully agree with Mr. Zapatero´s ideology I have no doubt that he represents the new Spain. And no doubt that Mr. Rajoy is such a catholic "old fogey". Spain lacked of modern mentallity for years and years, so I will vote againts Mr. Rajoy rather than for ZP this coming Sunday. Good Night, and good luck.

Miguel, Bilbao, Spain

As you can see, most of the comments who criticise Zapatero are from Madrid and all the cities with most fascist population.

My god, what an awful view of spaniards must have everyone who read these comments.

Really, really sad...

Zapatero is an average prime minister, but Rajoy and all of PP members like Zaplana, Acebes and Esperanza Aguirre are the people who lied us during the 11-M, so they can't have the power!

From a poor and corrupt guy who lives in Andalucia. (To Jose from Santiago de Compostela).

Wojcik, Malaga, Spain

There are some parties that have been banned for these elections. Thus calling this process legitimate and free election might not be exactly accurate. Does a real democracy really exist in Spain after 33 years from Franco's death? Is a democracy a regime which bannes left independentist forces whilst permiting ultra-right pro-fanquist groups to participate? Why do the PSOE-PP so-called rivals agree on that and not even mention it during their campaigns? Why did PSOE celebrate the victory in the former election when almost 200 people had been klled in Madrid just 5 days before? Why do both keep recent police torture accusations silent? Spanish politicians lack of the vision and sincere commitment that political representatives such as Blair, Adams and Paisley showed and keep demonstrating nowadays. Whoever wins, Franco's shadow will still be able to be appreciated.

ramon turturro, jaen,

Being basque and nationalist i would never vote zp nor rajoy....but i claim spaniards to vote ZP, if they have to choose between any of them...anyway do not forget there is other choice as IU or local parties. however, ZP has tried hard to finish with ETA, and even though they've failed, at least there was a hope. PP uses ETA just as an electoral weapon, they do not even want ETA to dissapear, as they bring them power of the ultraright segment. Mr Rajoy, stop scaring the country and let's bring some new, progressive, modern and XXI century initiatives!! At least ZP will try!

Alex, Dublin, Ireland

As a UK Spanish resident for twenty years I have seen a consistent disaster in Spanish economics each time the Socialist party wins power . The figure of Franco is continually used to frighten the modern day Spaniard along with an intent to foster nationalist agreements that only devide the Spanish people. Spain has been sheltered for years from the immigration problems faced by other EU countries who have all learned by their mistakes. Spain is now waking up to this because Zapatero literally "invited" thousands of immigrants to come to Spain trying to escape their terrible situation without EU consent or consideration for the consequences. It is not possible to "please all of the people, all of the time" . Zapatero seems to act before his party rescues/backs him - major companies are thinking twice before investing - many Spanish professionals are finding jobs elsewhere. Foreign investment is essential - although Spain is growing, 4 years more of Zapatero will retard Spain.

Gary M. Lee, Madrid, Spain

As everybody can see, look like that Spain is still full of fascists. We have a terrible electoral law, that gives more representativity to the fascist areas The best thing that I can say is reproduce a editorial from a prestigious newspaper:

Mr Aznar also negotiated with Eta, and allied with regional forces, just like the Socialists – as whoever wins next Sunday may well have to do. The PP’s problem is that its current leaders have not completed their journey from Francoist roots to a modern centre-right.

Revealingly, the PP is placing its hopes of victory on Socialist voters staying home; Mr Aznar’s attempt to paint the 2004 Madrid bombings as the work of Eta, despite evidence it was carried out by jihadis, was worth 3m extra votes to Mr Zapatero. It is equally revealing that the Socialists do not appear confident they still have them.

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008

David, Barcelona, Catalonia

I am so ashamed because of this confrontation.

Shame on you fellow citizens.

Alex, Zaragoza, Spain

I'm not really sure about your polls giving Zapatero his win on Sunday's election. Some Spaniards are actually cautious about poll interviews and may be withholding their real opinion about who they're in favour of or who they're voting. The left-wing, nationalist/regionalist and pro-terrorist parties have become so aggressive in their campaign against their rivals or rather, considered enemies (PP, UPD, Ciudadanos), that people are being silent about who they are supporting. In my workplace, for instance, we try to avoid talking about politics. Need I say more?

Enrique, Madrid, Spain

Zapatero is an ultra-left politician??? Then I'm a racing bike!

Indalecio Garcés, Madrid, Spain

In my humble view, enthusiasts of the PP should be more critical of their English skills than of ZP's political skills.

MJ, Ulea, Spain

Zapatero is breaking the unity of Spain in tax laws and nonsensical laws. He has no idea on what to to with the economy, with ilegal immigration, with the housing market... you name it. He is clueless about international topics, and his discourse level is that of a teenager. Rajoy is a much more grounded, real politician, with clear ideas and the drive to carry them forward. I voted for him as absentee.

Ele, Atlanta, GA

Do you want Spain become a confederation? Vote ZP

Carlos, Madrid, Spain

Our current prime minister has developed deep social policies and has been able to bring consensus back to this country.

He has made come true most of his promisses.

And related to the negociation with ETA, he HAD to try that possible sollution. It has failed, but I consider that he made what he has supposed to.

I have made up my mind yet: I will vote him. And I hope that a vast majority in my beloved country will do it as well, to make Spain remain in the avantgard of Europe.

José Manuel, Ferrol, Spain

As an imigrant to Spain, an Englishman teaching English, I am a problem for Rajoy. he seems to hate imigrants but wants all children to learn English. PP supporters tell me that he doesn't mean people like me, he means those nasty dark skinned people from Africa. This says a lot about the PP and Rajoy.

I teach many people of different ages and classes. The rich 'pijos' all want a PP victory. The others a PSOE victory. Zapatero leads the only party offering a real chance to move forward, rather than backwards with a PP happy to use 'dog whistle' xeonphobic which pander to a right wing catholic view of the world, that still doesn't acknowledge the evils of the Franco regime.

Graham Chalinor, Alcoy, Alicante

Everthing but the former fascists converted to a neocon, catholic ultra conservative party just interested in having not only economic but politic power, without contestation. The Popular party is the same people with different dressing: people interested in banning social rights and keeping their corrupt bussinessman in place. Maybe Zapatero is not the best of the presidents we can have, but he understands better what is Spain, a ountry formed of differnt cultures, languages and peoples, that holds unite in its diversity but only when respect is at the base. They claim Zapatero has negotiated with ETA... my god! I want my president to dialogue to finish with the violence and assure te future in peace. Did John Major and Tony Blair negotiate with IRA? Yes, of course, not because they were surrendering but because they were searching a realistic way to finish the conflict.

Gerard, Barcelona,

Neither Zapatero nor Rajoy convince me at all, but only PP scares me indeed

Guillermo, London,

The conservatives in Spain alway has considered that the Zapatero government was a paretesis, that it wouldn't last more than a year. It was able to form a a governement with a simple majority, and it last the normal term of for years.

The problem for the PP it's its lack of recpect for the spaniard choice, its lack of respect for the people and it's imcapacity to be normal politic party.

It's living in old 19 th century dream model, and it's don't want to see that Spain and the world is living out of the old catholic teocratic model of th middle age period.

Destin et Tuburlences.

Jerome, Madrid, Spain

Zapatero is an ultra-left politician, who has lived in the legacy of the previous government of the PP. But Spain due to the misrule of the PSOE, Spain wil end in a major economic crisis and in a war such as the Balkans.

Juan , Malaga, Spain

This message is for Thomas Catan and The Times newspaper. I would appreciate very much if you could revisit your definition of ETA "the violent Basque separatist group" as you call it and introduce in the wording "terrorist".

David Garcia, Madrid, Spain

I can not believe that some people think that Zapatero is honest or a great politician. You just need to have a look about aour foreingn polycy, where our best friend are Marroco, Cuba and Venezuela, rather than UK, USA or France. Zapatero also lies constantly. Iid when the bombs in Madrid to win the election, because in Spain unfortunately ETA kill people so when there is a bomb, everyone thinks about them. Even PSOE spoke about ETA, but later they realized that they could use this to win and they star speaking about terroorist who blew away inside the trains, when that was not true at all. Zapatero has not take any economic meassure to handle the crisis, and now he says that he will give money for everyone and for everything, but Where is the money goint to come fromf??? Zapatero is no good for Spain.

JOse Fernandez, Nottingham, UK

Mr./Mrs. "observer on the hill": Reading your comments makes it hard to believe your "little support" for left wing politics. In anycase, I suggest you come down from the hill and have a closer look at reality.

Alberto, Madrid, Spain

ZP with his wide s