A leader in doubt

By Jason Moore SPAIN'S Partido Popular needs to learn that one of the key points of a successful party is political unity. In the Balearics, despite being the most voted party at the last elections, former Balearic leader, Jaume Matas, quits just days after the election leaving the party in turmoil and without a leader. While their defeat must have come as a major shock, especially when you take into account that they were the most voted party and just a few thousands votes short of a majority, Matas should have stayed because the new Balearic government (the coalition which consists of seven parties) looks pretty shaky. While the chances of the coalition falling are pretty unlikely it is still a possibility and the Partido Popular needs to be in a position to be able to exploit the faults of the new government and also be prepared to take power if it does fall. This state of affairs is almost repeating itself in Madrid where the Partido Popular are in opposition. With just a few months to go before the general election and the party are now allegedly questioning leader Mariano Rajoy. The socialist government of Rodriguez Zapatero has exploited this state of affairs and they are now four points ahead in the latest polls. At this time the Partido Popular need to be strong both in the Balearics and in Madrid and if they ever want to regain power they need to be ship-shape and water-tight.