CapitalMadrid Independenciathe Iberian peninsula was characterized by a variety of independent kingdoms prior to the Moslem occupation that began in the early 8th Century A. D. and lasted nearly seven centuries; the small Christian redoubts of the north began the reconquest almost immediately, culminating in the seizure of Granada in 1492; this event completed the unification of several kingdoms and is traditionally considered the forging of present-day Spain Feriado nacionalNational Day, 12 Octubre Constitución6 Diciembre 1978, efectiva 29 Diciembre 1978 Sufragio18 años de edad; universal Poder Executivojefe de estado: King JUAN CARLOS I (desde 22 November 1975); Heir Apparent Prince FELIPE, son of the monarch, born 30 January 1968
jefe de gobierno: Presidente of the Government Jose Luis RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO (desde 17 April 2004); First Vice Presidente (and Minister of the Presidency) Maria Teresa FERNANDEZ DE LA VEGA(desde 18 April 2004) and Second Vice Presidente (and Minister of Economy and Finance) Pedro SOLBES (desde 18 April 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president
note: there is also a Council of State that is the supreme consultative organ of the government
elections: the monarch is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually proposed president by the monarch and elected by the National Assembly; election last held 14 March 2004 (next to be held NA March 2008); vice presidents appointed by the monarch on the proposal of the president
election results: Jose Luis RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO (PSOE) elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - 52.29% |
