Mariano Rajoy is the patient man of Spanish politics, rewarded at his third attempt to lead the conservative Popular Party to victory in a general election.
His supporters see him as the crisis manager needed to avert a Spanish bailout, schooled in government under Jose Maria Aznar.
Critics accuse him of misleading voters into thinking he is a moderate, while harbouring a hidden agenda of economic shock therapy.
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“Start Quote
If you said what you have in mind, not even your own supporters would vote for you”
End Quote Perez Rubalcaba Socialist candidate for prime minister
Friend and foe alike agree that the lanky man in glasses is not the most charismatic of politicians but Mr Rajoy, in fairness, does not promise fireworks.
"We are going to have to be brave, but also prudent," he told Spanish newspaper El Mundo, speaking about how Spain could win back investors.
"Outside Spain, the message is that we are serious people, that we are going to do things right."
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