Spain: Internal Security

General elections are beginning in Spain and some interesting developments may come about. These elections are the next interesting vote since when in 2004, as a BBC article covers, voters switched who controlled the government.

In 2004, voters turned out in high numbers - galvanised by the Madrid train bombings that killed 191 people three days earlier - to give Mr Zapatero a surprise victory over Mr Rajoy's conservative government.

The elections have even sprung some violence as the former Socialist councilor, Isaias Carrasco, was shot. As the blame has landed on Basque separatists, the event has tarnished the overall feeling for these elections. As the train bombings influenced the quick removal of Mr. Rajoy in 2004 hopefully no event will influence these elections.

The article also points out the faltering economy in Spain which has become the primary debate of the populace to consider for the elections. Much of the debate also points to the United States to blame for the economic slowdown in Spain. As it is difficult to pinpoint whether such an economic decline may be responsible from one country, according to another BBC article, inflation is at a 10 year high, with unemployment at an 8 year high. Seeing that these numbers indicate that Spain had been decreasing economically over a longer period of time indicates outside countries such as the US may not have been responsible.

I think some more interesting key ideas can be looked at here though, the new elections may reflect on international relations as well as how well the government of Spain will work with the European Union. As we see internal conflict in the country this may signal troubling signs that the government is having difficulty controlling radical individuals. I think this is a good time for the newly elected to focus on the internal security of Spain. The BBC article also points out an interesting fact:

"Spain accounts for well over a third of all EU immigration"

With high numbers of immigrants, security of the state may need to become a primary concern. As the Madrid bombings influenced the populace in the last vote, perhaps an overhaul of dealing with immigrants is needed. If a state cannot control the internal aspects of its society then the structures which function the overall government and its external dealings with the world will slowly break down that could create a destabilized country.