PSOE accuses Aznar party of witholding knowledge of Al Q'aida involvement

[NV1962]

In http://www.psoe.es/ambito/elecciones2004/news/index.do?action=View&id=24272">this statement, Spanish socialist “House minority speaker” Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba diplomatically states that his party (PSOE) was kept abreast of the forensic investigations after the blasts in Madrid; he accuses PP's Government of “playing politics” - indirectly stating that PSOE knew, just as Government did, that ETA wasn't considered the prime suspect shortly after the attacks, yet the meme was deliberately kept afloat from Government sources that "ETA did it" - as late as today, when it was clear that evidence pointed elsewhere.

Since revelation of the authors behind the attacks predictably impacts on the outcome of the general elections today (Sunday) that's a pretty stiff accusation, and it explains why thousands of Spaniards are out on the streets (as attested by http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2004/03/13/espana/1079200520.html">this article in El Mundo, which used to be pretty much pro-Aznar.)

In other words, we're looking at a last-second “October Surprise” here.

Let's see what the elections will bring...

[nolabels]

1. To me the way this stuff comes out, it sounds like a few know a lot more..

than they are willing or wanting to tell. These were not even suicide bombers, and with all them back-packs and different kinds of sophistication this had to be a pretty big operation.

[NV1962]

2. That's why that statement is a major "depth charge"

It states plainly that Government, "its" party PP and at least one opposition party (PSOE) was briefed - and throwing that knowledge out in the open (breaching the confidentiality) is a major indicator of anger.

I have no idea to what extent this will impact the elections, but if PP wins this Sunday, they'll face a massive wave of protest and mistrust as the welcome mat for Aznar's successor. It could even cause the recently elected government to topple...

[Renew Deal]

6. Why wouldn't the massive distrust lead to flipping the election?

It should if people are that pissed. I just don't know spanish politics.

[arcos]

3. oh... I'm SO wishing the PSOE wins!

I'm really nervous right now... I hope Spanish voters kick the PP's ass out of office!

[Capt_Nemo]

4. It now clear that PP's tactic from thursday onwards

Was to stirr up this confusion in order to cash in on a highly
emotionaly charged vote in Sunday so that they wouldn't be held
accountable for their bankrupt policy of being "tough on terrorism".

How this will play out now is not yet clear. I have a hunch that, at
least in the Basque country, the PP could be in trouble for having
scapegoated ETA blatantly for political gains. In Catalunya it
could be the same thing. However in Castilla and other regions PP's
sordid propaganda stunt, although exposed, could still benefit the
goverment.

I just hope that a majority of people realize that the government played them for
fools and give them them the punishment they deserve (unfortunately
this maybe expecting too much, due to the current political climate
in Spain).

[Renew Deal]

5. Whose surprise is it though?

I think Al Queda wanted this to happen. They shouldn't be able to influence others elections. I would like to see the socialists get a chance there. They will probably do well, but the election flipping isn't necessarily a good thing. What does that say about their influence on our election?