Spain Politics

Following Franco's dictatorship which lasted until his death in 1975, a constitution was established in 1978 and Spain introduced a constitutional monarchy. Executive power now lies with the government of the day, and legislative power with the two chambers of parliament. The country's judicial power is held separate and independent of executive and legislative power.

The two major political parties in Spain are:

1. The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (Partido Socialista Obrero Español; that also includes other regional Socialist parties; and

2) The People's Party (Partido Popular); a coalition of People's Alliance (Alianza Popular), Democratic People's Party (Partido Demócrata Popular) and Liberal Party (Partido Liberal).

The Socialists won power in the 2004 elections in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Madrid.

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