(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in Spain remain satisfied with the work of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, according to a poll by Instituto Opina released by Cadena Ser. 50.6 per cent of respondents approve of the president’s performance.

Zapatero was sworn in as president of the government in April 2004, following the victory of the Socialist Worker’s Party (PSOE) 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. 30.6 per cent of respondents are satisfied with Rajoy’s performance as leader of the opposition, down 3.4 points since early January.

On Jan. 27, Zapatero promised an income tax rebate worth an estimated $7.33 billion U.S. to help struggling Spaniards deal with an economic slowdown if he earns a new term in this year’s election, saying, "There are families who are facing greater difficulties from rising prices, rising mortgage payments, and so I’m committed to making this rebate. (...) This is meant to stimulate the economy."

The next general election is scheduled for Mar. 9.

Polling Data

Do you approve or disapprove of the performance of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero as president?

Do you approve or disapprove of the performance of Mariano Rajoy as opposition leader?

Source: Instituto Opina / Cadena Ser
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 Spanish adults, conducted on Jan. 23, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.

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