PROFILE: Political survivor Rajoy wins at last

Nov 20, 2011, 22:25 GMT

Madrid - Spanish conservative leader Mariano Rajoy, 56, was long regarded as an eternal loser.

But after losing two elections to Socialist outgoing Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the tranquil politician is finally about to take power in Spain following a massive victory in Sunday's parliamentary elections.

The gray-bearded politician is not a charismatic leader who can galvanize the masses. But he has experience, toughness and negotiation skills that he will need when trying to restore Spain's economic stability.

Son of a judge from the north-western region of Galicia, Rajoy studied law and became the youngest ever property registrar in Spain at the age of 24.

He began his political career in Galicia in the early 1980s and rose to the national government after the 1996 election victory of conservative Jose Maria Aznar.

Rajoy held a string of posts in Aznar's two consecutive governments, including the ministries of public administration, education and the interior. Aznar also made him minister of the prime minister's office and government spokesman.

Rajoy's challenges included the oil spill caused by the tanker Prestige off Galicia in 2002.

Aznar picked Rajoy as his successor after deciding not to seek a third term. But Islamist train bombings that claimed nearly 200 lives in Madrid just before the 2004 elections deprived Rajoy of what had been regarded as a certain victory, catapulting Zapatero to power.

As opposition leader, Rajoy became known for his confrontational tactics. Even during the electoral campaign, he focused on criticizing the government over the economic crisis, without divulging too many details about his own plans, so as not to scare off potential voters.

Shortly before the elections, Rajoy announced a draconian austerity programme in all areas except for pensions.

Within his People's Party (PP), however, Rajoy is known as a moderate leader seeking compromises between hawks and doves.

He has not been clear on how far he would go in order to cancel some of the liberal social reforms introduced by Zapatero, such as gay marriage or easier access to abortion.

Rajoy is married and has two sons.