José María Aznar

José María Aznar, the prime minister of Spain between 1996 and 2004, helped to reestablish the right in Spanish politics. He led his Partido Popular (Popular Party) to power after Spain had been governed by the Socialists for 14 years. Aznar's priorities were the liberalization of the economy and the preservation of centralized government in Spain—he took a hard line against nationalist aspirations in the Basque region. He also envisioned a greater role for Spain in world affairs, supporting the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Stephen Jaffe/Getty Images

Appears in these articles

Aznar, José María; Spain

*	Exclusively for MSN Encarta Premium Subscribers Join Now