Mariano Rajoy

Spanish politician elected to Prime Minister of the country on November 20, 2011. A member of the socially conservative Popular Party, Rajoy won with a resounding "yes" from Spanish voters. Conservative in social mores, he is against same-sex marriage. Economically he is considered liberal, definitely pro-European Union. Described as tenacious and even stubborn, and somewhat secretive, he is reluctant to talk about his intentions until he is ready to act. Elected at a time of financial crisis, he is a considered to be a good crisis manager and problem-solver.

The son of a lawyer, Rajoy was brought up in a Catholic home. He earned a law degree and became a land registrar. At age 26 he was named Deputy for the Popular Party and quickly worked his way up the ranks. From 1996-2004 he was a minister of various departments in the Aznar governments. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the Prime Minister's position in 2004 when his party was defeated that year. He suffered another defeat in 2008. His persistence paid off and he won with a landslide victory in 2011.

He is married with two children. In December 2005 he survived a helicopter crash, sustaining only a broken finger.He had previously survived a serious auto crash. He published his memoir in September 2011.