Women are on rise in Spanish politics. Spain's newly-formed government consists of eleven women and six men. newly-elected socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has put women in some of biggest positions in his cabinet, including head of defence, economy, education and finance. Spain now has highest proportion of women in top government positions than anywhere else in Europe. In televised statement, Mr Sanchez said his new government consisted of people who wanted to move Spain forward. He said: "All are highly qualified and bring vocation for public service and reflect best of Spain. [They are]...open to world but anchored in European Union."
Mr Sanchez seems unlikely leader. His Socialist party holds just 84 of 350 seats in Spain's parliament. He took office on Friday, replacing unpopular conservative leader Mariano Rajoy. Ex-prime minister Rajoy was focus of corruption scandal and had become unpopular because of his austerity measures. Sanchez promised to bring change to Spain. However, he has to work quickly to turn Spain's economy around. He has promised to call elections in less than two years, which may not be enough time to amend outgoing government's budget for 2018. One of his biggest challenges will be rebuilding relations with northeastern region of Catalonia.
