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The 10th Cortes Generales: A Decade of Spanish Politics (2011-2020)

The 10th Cortes Generales, also known as the 10th Congress of Deputies and Senate, was a pivotal moment in Spanish politics that began on December 13, 2011. Following the general elections held on November 20, 2011, the Cortes General were constituted, marking the start of this legislative term.

The People's Party (PP) secured an absolute majority in both chambers, with Mariano Rajoy being inaugurated as President of the Government and forming his first government. This marked a significant shift in Spanish politics, as the PP had won 186 seats in the Congress of Deputies, surpassing their previous total by 32 seats.

The general elections were initially scheduled for March 2012 but were advanced to November 20, 2011, at the request of then-Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. The results of these elections gave the PP a considerable absolute majority in both chambers and led to Mariano Rajoy's inauguration as President of the Government on December 20, 2011.

The 10th Cortes Generales was characterized by the continuation of Spain's economic crisis, which had become a social, institutional, territorial, and political crisis. The European rescue package for Spanish banks took place during this term, and unemployment rates began to stabilize. However, the period also saw significant changes in the country's leadership, with King John Charles I abdicating on June 19, 2014, and Philip VI being proclaimed king of Spain.

The legislature was marked by a series of key events, including the formation of Mariano Rajoy's government and the implementation of austerity measures to address Spain's economic woes. The PP's dominance in both chambers led to a period of conservative rule, which had significant implications for Spanish politics and society.

Despite the challenges faced during this term, the 10th Cortes Generales also saw some notable achievements, including the recovery of United Left (IU) as a parliamentary group after the 2011 elections. The IU secured 11 representatives in the Congress of Deputies, surpassing their previous total by nine seats.

The 10th Cortes Generales came to an end on October 27, 2015, when the legislature was dissolved ahead of the call for new general elections scheduled for December 20, 2015. The