Spain’s government

Spains prime minister brings in a new finance ministerSECOND-TERM prime ministers often feel the pull of the world stage. In Spain, toothough Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, re-elected a year ago, was slow to follow the trend. That was partly because he was one of George Bushs least favourite European leaders. In a frenzied few days, however, Mr Zapatero has made up for it, with appearances in six countries from Chile to Turkey. He eventually carried off his prize, when Barack Obama declared that he was glad to call him a friend.Unfortunately, Mr Zapateros frantic week abroad coincided with trouble at home. Immediately after he stepped off the plane in Madrid, he announced a cabinet reshuffle. Out went the heavyweight Pedro Solbes, the veteran finance minister who was praised during the election campaign as the man to trust on the economy. In his place appeared Elena Salgado, a seasoned if low-profile technocrat. Ms Salgado, slight but tenacious, has held tough ministerial posts at health and public administration. Few, however, expected her to be given the finance hot seat.