The government forecasts that 3% growth will not happen within six years and that unemployment will remain at levels above 25%. Which is evidence that Rajoy and his staff don't have the road map for leading Spain out of a recession.
The only alternative is a pact between politicians and other leaders from Spanish society. Since the opposing party has already mentioned this possibility ot the government and the country's two biggest labor unions, CCOO and UGT, celebrated the first of May by offering an agreement. In order to facilitate it, the labor unions have shown their readiness to take on the costs and political fallout that ensues. For their part, businesses have asked for reforms and demanded that Rajoy come up with a sweeping agreement when the Family Business Institute meets next.
Now the ball is in the government's court. Spain's political class can't be the only group to sit still and fail to reach any agreements while its peers in Germany and Italy have done their part. In this country a coalition government is not necessary. The government has a majority in Parliament and should use that to build consensus.
Jobs, pensions, regional government financing, changes in the labor market and an overhauled public administration system all require help from those who represent the majority of people in Spanish society. And the leaders need a model that inspires.
If he finally admits that his own data are correct, Rajoy will be forced to accept that changing the course of Spain's future -- which looks bleak right now -- is a job that needs support from everyone who can do their part. He has the opportunity to champion a major economic and political agreement that can flip the forescasts upside down.
