Rubalcaba denies favoritism claims

Far from standing as the Socialist Party candidate in next year's general elections because of "favoritism," Deputy Prime Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba said at his first appearance as José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's heir apparent in party headquarters that he was standing because of "the favoritism of thousands" who have asked him to do so.

Furthermore, Rubalcaba is convinced it is no lost cause. "I believe I can win the elections. I have a government program for Spain and I think I know what Spain needs." Neither did he stoke the flames of Carme Chacón's withdrawal from the leadership race, leaving Rubalcaba as the sole candidate for the party primaries on July 2. The defense minister explained her decision by asserting that an internal battle would have provoked early elections. "No favoritism, and no conspiracy," Rubalcaba said.

The politician did not lay out any concrete plans for his project or the team he will task with carrying it out, but instead sought to quell concerns that a virtual joint leadership of the party would create friction between himself and Zapatero, who he described as an "intimate friend" to whom his personal loyalty is sacrosanct.

Rubalcaba painted broad strokes, promising continuity in policy ? singling out the Socialists' abortion-law reform ? "but with elements of change." He also launched his first barb at the opposition: "Arenas, Rajoy and I have similar career paths. We have all been deputy prime minister. But there is one difference: they are candidates who only win when they don't stand, because when they do they lose."