Conservative Takes Leadership In Spain

Jose Maria Aznar was inaugurated prime minister Sunday, leading Spain’s first conservative government in more than a decade. He immediately made history by naming women to head four Cabinet posts.

Congress voted Aznar into the position on Saturday with the backing of regional parties that agreed to support of Aznar’s center-right economic policies in exchange for expanded self-rule.

Aznar met privately with King Juan Carlos before naming his 14-member Cabinet.

He then said that for the first time in Spanish history, women would hold four portfolios: agriculture, environment, education and culture.