And the leader is supposed to be a socialist?
"Spain approves austerity measures" by Alan Clendenning, Associated Press / December 4, 2010
MADRID — The Spanish government approved austerity measures and a limited economic stimulus package yesterday to ease investor fears about its debt — and insisted again it was taking strong steps to right its ailing economy.
Markets responded positively after weeks of turmoil, but the country was thrown into chaos again after air traffic controllers unexpectedly staged a massive sick-out just hours after the government approved a measure to partially privatize key airports.
At least 200,000 travelers were stranded on the eve of a long holiday weekend. Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero ordered the military to take over air traffic control....
That's MARTIAL LAW, isn't it?
Zapatero himself canceled a trip to an Iberoamerican summit in Argentina just to preside over the cabinet meeting where plans were also approved to sell off a 30 percent stake in the government-owned national lottery and institute cutbacks to a key jobless benefit, tax cuts for small businesses, and an increase in the tobacco tax.
Related: Spanish Smoke Break
Aren't you taking away some of the tax base there?
“We believe we are contributing to the momentum of the country’s economic activity with this reform package,’’ said Economy Minister Elena Salgado. “We are eliminating obstacles and reducing costs.’’
Sorry, but RAISING TAXES NEVER CONTRIBUTES to economic momentum.
The latest measures, first announced Wednesday by Zapatero, were welcomed by both markets and the European Union after weeks of speculation that Portugal and Spain could follow Greece and Ireland in needing a massive financial bailout....
That's why I oppose it, period.
Just after the markets closed, Spain was forced to shut down the eight airports and airspace around Madrid because the controllers left their posts or didn’t show up to work....
--more--"
And the Spanish government sure has a strong arm:
"Flights resume after strike halted
MADRID — The government halted an air traffic control strike yesterday by imposing an emergency decree to threaten the disgruntled employees with prison terms under military law.
Back to the days of FASCISM under FRANCO, 'eh?
Flights resumed, but hundreds of thousands of travelers were stranded at airports. The wildcat strike began Friday over a scheduling dispute. The government said it might take two days for airports to return to normal (Boston Globe December 5 2010).
Better get out of Spain quick.
Also see: Racy calendar angers church leaders
Basque separatist group declares cease-fire, but Spain critical
Passport ring served terrorists, police say (By Raphael Minder and J. David Goodman, New York Times)
Mossad caught stealing identities again?
