José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero

Who Is José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero?

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero served as Prime Minister of Spain for two consecutive terms (2004-2011), garnering the support of over eleven million votes in each election. Renowned for his pioneering approach to social and political reforms, Zapatero sought to position Spain as a European leader in civil and social rights.

What is his Background?

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero began his political career as a Deputy in the Spanish Congress in 1986, at the time being the youngest congressman. His leadership as spokesperson for the PSOE in the Public Administrations Committee of Congress consolidated his role in national politics. As Prime Minister, he implemented groundbreaking laws such as the Gender Violence Act (2004), the Equality Act (2007), and oversaw the legalization of same-sex marriage (2005). Notable among his achievements is the Dependency Act (2007), which established rights to assistance for dependent individuals, and his role in ending ETA’s armed conflict. Internationally, he fulfilled his promise to withdraw Spanish troops from Iraq and advocated for Spain’s participation in peacekeeping missions supported by the UN and NATO. After stepping down in 2011, he joined Spain’s Council of State and currently chairs the advisory board of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy.