Spain’s new rulers begin the task of recovery

SPAIN’S new government has begun the gigantic task of lifting the country out of its worst economic crisis in decades, following an overwhelming general election victory.

The conservative Popular Party won 186 seats in the 350-seats lower chamber of parliament in Sunday’s election compared with 154 in the last legislature. The Socialists fell from 169 seats to 110, their worst performance ever.

“There won’t be any miracles. We never promised any,” said Popular Party leader Mariano Rajoy, 56, in his victory speech. “But as we have said before, when things are done properly, the results come in.”