What is wrong with politics in Spain?

[El Profesor]

This is because of the arrogance and sense of impunity of this self protecting parasitic elite.
And the popular media is manipulated.
People tend to expect it of them too; the population are not politicised ..... after 40 years of vicious dictatorship it becomes enough that they are not as bad as what came before.

But it has to be said that this Barcénas chap is a prize bastard. An evil bastard amongst bastards. The sad thing is that it takes such a blatant monumental fucking bastard to get a reaction.

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The contrast couldn't really be more prominent.

The case of Chris Huhne who is facing a prison sentence and a ruined career (I think he resigned from politics today), for something really terrible he did about ten years ago ........ he dodged a speeding fine.

Come on ..... tell someone Spanish, they won't believe you.

But for me, the really telling difference isn't that the people and the justice system expect certain moral standards from their politicians ...... nor is it the way the media keeps the politicians in check, rather than the other way around. . . . . . The outstanding difference for me is that when this chappie vacates his position ....... for whatever reason it may be, DEMOCRACY HAPPENS.
There will be an awkward and uncomfortable by-election and the people will very publicly be required to elect a replacement.

Nothing like that happens in Spain. - here it's just next one in the queue.

[Guanche]

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The contrast couldn't really be more prominent.

The case of Chris Huhne who is facing a prison sentence and a ruined career (I think he resigned from politics today), for something really terrible he did about ten years ago ........ he dodged a speeding fine.

Come on ..... tell someone Spanish, they won't believe you.

But for me, the really telling difference isn't that the people and the justice system expect certain moral standards from their politicians ...... nor is it the way the media keeps the politicians in check, rather than the other way around. . . . . . The outstanding difference for me is that when this chappie vacates his position ....... for whatever reason it may be, DEMOCRACY HAPPENS.
There will be an awkward and uncomfortable by-election and the people will very publicly be required to elect a replacement.

Nothing like that happens in Spain. - here it's just next one in the queue.

As for Huhne I hope he gets 10 years. But right up to the end don't you think his actions were typicaly Spanish. I fear the only difference is that the Spanish politician in the same situation would not have pleaded guilty, they would maybe have been found guilty, depending on the political leanings of the judge, and even if found guilty they would have received a fine and maybe barred from public office for 12 months max. Which would have been quashed on appeal. And in no time at all they would be right back in the midst of it! Stronger than ever.

[Delderek]

Perhaps I have misjudged the human race. But in my experience of life, anyone who gets into a position where they are able make money or accept favours, will do so. Maybe some exceptions but I havent met one yet

[Perikles]

From what I can understand from this video, Spain is a country of gangsters, if not now, certainly will be when Eurovegas gets going.

[El Profesor]

From what I can understand from this video, Spain is a country of gangsters, if not now, certainly will be when Eurovegas gets going.

Iñaki Gabilondo, brilliant and well respected TV and radio journalist - a pillar of the cultural establishment. Just the sort of person who would never be a politician in Spain, but just the person who should have been.

[Perikles]

Meanwhile, a graphic designer has invented a character font:

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He calls it 'Corrupt Script' . I wish I could download it. 

[Perikles]

Here's a better illustration, straight from his blog: It looks as if the whole of Spain wants to download it. 

[attachimg=1]

[Nova]

I like the disclaimer 

[Michael]

Hey, this was on Radio 4 this morning. I think it was Women's Hour.

Bottom line, Spanish politicians are as bent as a dog's hind leg. 

[Guanche]

I wonder how many other ledgers or documents are in safety deposit boxes or resting on dusty shelves around Spain, or in Europe for that matter, that have been kept for a 'Get out of Jail free' card. No honour amongst politicians!