Conservatives taking power in Spain

Spain’s opposition conservatives swept commandingly into power and into the hot seat today as voters enduring a 21.5% jobless rate and stagnant economy dumped the Socialists – the third time in as many weeks Europe’s debt crisis has claimed a government.

As thousands of jubilant, cheering supporters waving red-and-yellow Spanish flags and blue-and-white party ones gathered outside Popular Party headquarters, their leader and future Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy thanked Spaniards for their support, then sounded a sombre note of warning.