Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero was sworn for a second term today before naming a new cabinet that includes Spain's first woman defence minister and a new post to boost low productivity.
"I promise on my conscience and honour to comply faithfully with the obligations of prime minister," Mr Zapatero said, his right hand on a copy of the constitution in front of King Juan Carlos during a ceremony at the Zarzuela palace near Madrid.
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero at a press conference to announce his Cabinet in Madrid. AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza
Later, Mr Zapatero named Carme Chancon as Spain's first female defence minister, moving her from the Housing Ministry, and he installed Miguel Sebastian, his former chief economic adviser, as industry minister.
Women outnumber men for the first time a Spanish cabinet - nine to eight - continuing the reformist bent of the Socialist government which was re-elected on March 9th.
One of them, Bibiana Aido, becomes Spain's first Equality Minister and at 31 years old, the youngest to sit at the cabinet table.
Announcing his rejigged team, Mr Zapatero stressed the importance of a new Science and Innovation Ministry, headed by Cristina Garmendia, which is designed to wean Spain off its dependence on construction and to nurture hi-tech industries.
"It should help our economy grow more but above all, grow better," the prime minister said during a news conference.
Spain has one of the eurozone's lowest productivity growth rates and the now-shrinking construction sector will drag economic growth down to just 1.8 per cent in 2008 according to the International Monetary Fund - less than half that enjoyed last year.