Feliz Ano Nuevo…

Just a couple of days before Christmas the incoming Prime Minister-elect Mariano Rajoy announced a series of measures that included a freeze on public-sector jobs, moving all public holidays to Mondays, and a stop on early retirements for public and private sector employees, all aimed to cut the Spanish economy deficit by 16.5 billion euros by the end of 2012.

As the main element of the "grand plan" to move Spain out of its deep economic crisis, the measures seem to represent the largest and deepest pledges the Popular Party (PP) leadership aim to provide for the next four years – with the only increase in spending, being in state pensions, and which will be brought up to date with the consumer price index from January 1 2012.

Since winning the general election on November 20, Rajoy has deliberately kept the plans of his incoming government a guarded secret but has predicted that Spain's exit from the crisis would be guaranteed by these cuts, as well as satisfying Spain's commitment to Europe. This new series of measures will recover an additional 6.5 billion euros mare than the austerity drive introduced by the outgoing government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.

"I am willing to hear proposals from everybody but I think that the priorities should be to concentrate on economic growth and job creation," Rajoy said. But the new Socialist leader, Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, warned that the new PP government would be making drastic cuts in the public welfare system and social policies. "So when are we going to get the bad news?" Rubalcaba said during the debate. The Socialist leader accused Rajoy of "knowing where the cuts" will be made but declining for now to say where.

Rajoy has made cutting the country's public deficit one of the main points in his mandate. He said the country may miss its target of cutting the shortfall to 6 percent of GDP this year from 9.3 percent last year, but insisted the goal of reducing it to 4.4 percent of GDP next year would be met. Adding that  he would carry out state reforms to avoid duplications, reduce costs and improve efficiency. This will include a freeze on all public-sector jobs except for those in "state security forces and basic public services." He has also pledged not to raise taxes at the current time, but would consider reforming the manner in which small businesses and the self-employed pay value-added tax (VAT).

Rajoy added that one of the aims of his government would be to define the role of Spain for the next 20 years: "To concentrate efforts on creating employment" and to govern from the point of view "of dialogue and transparency," he said, and that he would carry out an "integral reform of the job market," which would include moving all public holidays to Mondays "except for those with the deepest social roots," and a youth-employment plan. Already ear-marked to be moved to Monday's in 2012 are the 3 national holidays of August 15 (Wednesday), November 1 (Thursday) and December 8 (Saturday).

A freeze on the minimum wage payment has also been suggested which will be the first time the payment has not risen (with inflation) since the scheme was introduced in 1980. Some union leaders have already indicated that they will not support such a measure which will see many lower paid workers struggling against rising costs in rental costs and more expensive utilities in 2012.

During the investiture speech however, the Socialists were not alone in criticizing Rajoy for being vague with his plans for Spain's future… only the next months will tell if these measures are actually introduced and they affect Spain’s standing in  the wider world.

Don't forget that the Christmas festivities are still not over here on Spain's Costa Tropical. From around 6pm on Thursday January 5, in most towns and villages, the arrival of the Los Tres Reyes Magos (The 3 Wise Men – Three Kings) cavalcade occurs. The streets are lined with children and adults alike as Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, pass by with sweets and gifts for the children before passing later at night to leave the presents for the children who have been good… the next day, Epiphany, everyone opens their presents and enjoys the rest of this holy holiday.

Locally there continues a series of cultural events throughout the month (more details available here ), despite the fact that many local bars and restaurants take their annual break – and close for all or part of the months of January and February; taking to time to recover and prepare for the coming seasons holiday makers.

Looking for something different to do with family and friends this month then why not invest 10 Euros, and pick up a copy of the useful pocket guide – Granada Tapas Tours: 100 Tapas Bars in Granada; researched and written by Vernon Grant & Gayle Mackie. With 18 routes of 4 bars each to choose from, and 72 bars in various parts of the city where you will be treated the same as the locals. The book guides you away from popular tourist bars, and as you stroll from one to the other (using the simple to follow directions given), then you are made aware of some of the lesser know attractions of Granada city. The book also offers 28 bars that you can drive to in the vast and varied province of Granada, including the Costa Tropical, the Lecrin Valley, La Alpujarra and some that are hidden in spectacular countryside locations. The book also offers tapas tips to ensure you get the most pleasure from your tapas experience, a glossary of the dishes you are most likely to be served and, crucially, how to pronounce them.

The book is for sale via www.guiribooks.blogspot.com ,

www.lecrinlet.blogspot.com  and

www.granadagardens.blogspot.com

And then for a more individual experience you can contact Vernon to arrange guided tapas tours and, or, tours of Andalusian gardens around the area.

For the latest news and updates, you can find me at www.twitter.com/SpainCostaTrop