Spain’s ruling Socialists will not be partying for long. A second successive term in office, with an ex­panded majority, is a personal victory for José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, the prime minister. But there is little else to celebrate. After an uninspiring first four years in office, Mr Zapatero now faces the daunting task of rescuing an economy that is heading for the rocks. If ever there were a general election worth losing, this was probably it.

The election result, while short of an absolute parliamentary majority, means Mr Zapatero can at least hope for a return to normal politics.