SPAIN

Spain's democratic institutions are largely strong, with particular recent improvement in media independence.

Elections are fair, restricting only parties that advocate violence. The administration recently reduced its influence over public broadcasters. Accessing government information can be difficult.

Civil rights are generally respected, with some discrimination against women and immigrants noted. Local government corruption is a problem.

Economic growth has been strong in recent years, though centered in tourism and construction.

Unemployment rates have dropped dramatically in the past decade, though they remain relatively high, with ongoing structural labor market concerns.

Economic productivity is low. The government has taken steps to foster greater innovation and entrepreneurism.

Recent reforms lowered corporate taxes, and improved tax equity.

Social expenditure has risen substantially, but poverty rates and regional disparities remain high.

Public health care is universally available, although significant regional differences in quality exist. Wealthy individuals often use supplementary private care.

Family policy is minimal, and working mothers receive little support. However, gender equality laws were passed in 2007.

The pension system does not prevent old-age poverty.

The Madrid bombings in 2004 underscored the new danger of terrorism in Spanish society.

The country faces no serious external security threat. Its army participates in UN peacekeeping missions.

Increased immigration has led to social tensions and conflicts. The socialist government has sought to regularize illegal foreign workers.

A number of sustainability problems loom in Spain, with corresponding government action relatively recent.

Environmental policy has not been comprehensive. Water policy has been declared a priority, with scarcity a growing problem in the south.

R&D activity is minimal. A new program plans a doubling of funds for civilian research.

The education system is polarizing as the middle class retreats to private schools.

Strategic planning in Spain is focused largely on EU-related economic policy.

The prime minister's office can play a broad cross-ministry coordinating role, but typically focuses on issues of specific interest to each officeholder.

RIAs are neither required nor regularly performed.

The current government's communication improved substantially after initial coordination difficulties.

The Spanish government has shown considerable legislative efficiency, despite its minority status.

The Constitutional Court poses an active veto threat, with many bills from previous legislative sessions overturned.

Regional governments' ability to implement policy is hampered by a lack of funds. National standards are poorly defined and enforced.

Spain has an excellent record of translating EU directives into legislation. The country is highly engaged in multilateral activity, with a particular focus on antiterrorism efforts.

The country has been an international leader in issues such as gender equity in politics and gay rights, but has lagged on environmental issues.

While self-monitoring does occur, anything beyond superficial institutional change is rare.

The incoming socialist government did restructure ministries somewhat. However, a legalistic administrative and bureaucratic culture makes reform based on expert advice difficult.

Spanish citizens are avid TV watchers, but evince comparatively little interest in political or policy news.

The legislature's supervisory mechanisms are used regularly.

Mainstream interest groups propose reasonable policies, but have relatively little influence.