Mariano Rajoy

Mariano Rajoy is a fascinating character in Spanish politics. Born in Santiago de Compostela in 1955, he rose to become Prime Minister of Spain in 2011. He’s known for his conservative views and his impressive ability to fall asleep during meetings.

Early Life

Rajoy grew up in Galicia, where his mother was a housewife and his father was a judge. He studied law at the University of Santiago de Compostela and later went on to earn a master’s degree in European law at the University of Strasbourg. He was first elected to the Spanish parliament in 1981 as a member of the Popular Alliance, a conservative party.

Political Rise

Rajoy’s political rise was steady but not meteoric. He became Minister of Public Administration in 1996 and later served as Minister of Education and Culture. His big break came in 2004, when he was elected leader of the Popular Party after the sudden death of his predecessor. In 2011, he won a general election and became Prime Minister of Spain.

Sleeping on the Job

Although Rajoy is known for his hard-line conservative views, he’s equally famous for his habit of nodding off during meetings. Whether he’s listening to a colleague speak or discussing important policy decisions, Rajoy can often be seen dozing off at his desk. This has led some to speculate that he’s secretly a cat in a human suit.

Controversial Policies

Despite his tendency to nod off at inopportune moments, Rajoy has been a force to be reckoned with in Spanish politics. He’s been a vocal advocate of austerity measures, including cuts to public services and pensions. He’s also taken a hard-line stance on the Catalonia independence movement, refusing to allow a referendum on the issue and imprisoning pro-independence leaders.

Legacy

As Rajoy approaches the end of his political career, it’s clear that he’ll be remembered as a divisive figure in Spanish politics. Some will remember him as a steadfast defender of conservative values, while others will remember him as the man who fell asleep during every meeting. But one thing is certain: Mariano Rajoy will go down in history as one of the quirkiest and most controversial politicians of our time.