(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in Spain think a strained economy is threatening their country, according to a poll by Real Insituto Elcano. At least 72 per cent of respondents think the rising costs of food and oil are an important menace to Spain, while 65 per cent believe a global economic slowdown represents a threat as well.

Islamic terrorism is next on the list of important threats to Spain with 62 per cent, followed by global warming with 55 per cent, immigration with 46 per cent, and Iranian nuclear weapons with 45 per cent. Fewer people are concerned with conflict in the Middle East and populist governments in Latin America.

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, leader of the Socialist Worker’s Party (PSOE), was sworn in as president of the government in April 2004, following his party’s victory in the legislative ballot. The conservative Popular Party (PP) had administered the government under José María Aznar since 1996. Mariano Rajoy took over as PP leader in August 2003.

In March, Spain held a general election. The PSOE secured a new term in office with 43.36 per cent of the vote and 169 seats in the lower house, followed by the PP with 39.85 per cent and 153 mandates. Zapatero retained his post as head of government.

Earlier this month, BBVA—one of Spain’s top banks—released a study saying that economic activity, private consumption and unemployment "show an abrupt deterioration in the economy during the second quarter" of this year.

On Jul. 9, Zapatero admitted that Spain’s economy is "in crisis." On Jul. 13, Rajoy declared: "[The president] is more interested in introducing artificial debates than in talking about the real economic problems that have people worried."

Polling Data

Would you say each of the following is an important or not important threat to Spain?
("Very Important" and "Important" listed)

Source: Real Insituto Elcano
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,200 Spanish adults, conducted from Jun. 3 to Jun. 21, 2008. No margin of error was provided.

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