Zapatero calls early elections for November 20

Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero ended months of speculation on the 29 July 2011 by calling early general elections for November 2011, arguing that with the economic recovery under way, the country is ready for the poll.

• Primary Source

BBC News, 29.7.11: Zapatero calls early Spain election amid economic woes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14344272

El País, 31.7.11: Rubalcaba owns up to Socialists' 'mistakes' http://www.elpais.com/articulo/english/Rubalcaba/owns/up/to/Socialists/mistakes/elpepueng/20110731elpeng_2/Ten

ESO: Background information: Spain: General Election, 20 November 2011 http://www.europeansources.info/record/spain-general-election-20-november-2011/

EUObserver, 29.7.11: Spain calls for early elections as market confidence erodes http://euobserver.com/9/32669

EurActiv, 29.7.11: Spain goes to snap poll http://www.euractiv.com/en/elections/spain-goes-snap-poll-news-506846

ESO: Background information: Rating agency takes aim at Spain, euro falls http://www.europeansources.info/record/rating-agency-takes-aim-at-spain-euro-falls/

BBC News, 8.9.11: Spanish Socialists take high-risk gamble on deficit reform http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14813516

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