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Women Rule in Spain's New Cabinet

9 of Zapatero's 17 ministers, including defense, are female

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 14, 2008 9:31 AM CDT

(Newser) – So much for machismo. Re-elected Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero announced a new government this weekend, with a surprise twist: His new cabinet boasts more women than men. The eight men and nine ministras include a pregnant woman who will head the army as defense minister, the Independent reports.

Zapatero also introduced a new cabinet position: an equality ministry, which will be headed by a 31-year-old woman—the youngest minister since Spain returned to democracy. Not everyone is impressed. One right-wing commentator blasted the female-dominated Zapatero government as a "battalion of inexperienced seamstresses."

Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, left, shakes hands with opposition Popular Party leader Mariano Rajoy, right after being voted as prime minister.
Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, left, shakes hands with opposition Popular Party leader Mariano Rajoy, right after being voted as prime minister.   (AP Photo)
Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero smiles before being voted as Prime Minister in the lower house of parliament in Madrid, Friday April 11, 2008.
Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero smiles before being voted as Prime Minister in the lower house of parliament in Madrid, Friday April 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero gestures during a press conference to announce his Cabinet at the Monloa Palace in Madrid, on Saturday, April 12, 2008.
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero gestures during a press conference to announce his Cabinet at the Monloa Palace in Madrid, on Saturday, April 12, 2008.   (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)
Spain Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, bottom left, is applauded after being voted as prime minister in the lower house of parliament in Madrid, Friday April 11, 2008.
Spain Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, bottom left, is applauded after being voted as prime minister in the lower house of parliament in Madrid, Friday April 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
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