Spain PM Rajoy facing key regional vote testOctober 21, 2012 - 17:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Voters are going to the polls in Spain's north-west region of Galicia in an election seen as a key test of the government's economic policy, BBC News said. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's centre-right People's Party has ruled the region for 24 of the past 31 years. Polls suggest Mr Rajoy, a native of Galicia, has lost support nationally because of austerity measures. A regional vote will also be held in the Basque Country, where separatist parties are expected to do well. Spain has been in economic difficulty since the 2008 global financial crisis caused a big crash in the property market, triggering huge losses at its banks. Its recession is forecast to deepen, and the country's 17 regional governments are laden with heavy debts. Unemployment stands at about 25% nationally, and 21% in Galicia. There have been widespread protests against public spending cuts. Spain is under pressure to ask Brussels for a bailout, but observers say Mr Rajoy may be waiting until after the regional elections to request one. Spain has already in line to receive 100bn euros in eurozone loans for its banks. In the Basque country, the Socialist Party that has been in power since 2009 is facing the conservative Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) and a new coalition of left-wing separatists called Euskal Herria Bildu. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |