Speaking at a political rally in Cáceres last night, president Zapatero accused the Partido Popular of spreading "pessimism and fear," and said that while party leader, Mariano Rajoy, "announces catastrophes, Spain responds with progress."

Mr Zapatero was in Extremadura to support the candidacy of Guillermo Fernández, who is aiming to replace outgoing regional president, Juan Carlos Rodríguez Ibarra, who is retiring on health grounds after sufffering a heart attack, but who was also present.

Mr Zapatero urged the public to vote for his party "because it's always better than when those who you like least are in power," insisting that the main right-wing party just wants to rule "and if they don't, they just get angry."

Earlier yesterday, opposition leader, Mariano Rajoy, who was speaking in Vitoria, had warned Mr Zapatero that "anti-terrorism policy will change in a few months and there will be a new socialist party different from what there is now." Mr Rajoy was alluding to a possible victory at next year's general elections.

He went on to state that "socialism has been defeated by reality and nationalism is incompatible with the world we live in today," and reiterated that there is room in his party for "all those who believe and feel normal things, believe in Spain, in freedom, social justice and cohesion."