Jose Maria Aznar Lopez

Aznar's government implemented a series of economic liberalization measures, including privatization of state-owned enterprises, labor market reforms, and fiscal austerity. These policies reduced public debt and unemployment, leading to Spain's entry into the Eurozone in 1999.

Aznar's government supported the US-led invasion of Iraq, sending Spanish troops to participate in the occupation. This decision was highly unpopular in Spain, leading to massive protests and contributing to the PSOE's victory in the 2004 elections.

On March 11, 2004, Islamist terrorists bombed commuter trains in Madrid, killing 191 people. The attacks occurred three days before general elections. Aznar's government initially blamed ETA, leading to accusations of manipulation and contributing to the PSOE's electoral victory.