Caution! Mr. Zapatero is in a summit!
Mr. Zapatero flew to a summit in Lima, Perú. The summit between the European Union and the Latin American countries. Frankly, I do not know the real purpose of this summit. But what I know is that Mr. Chavez will attend the meeting. And Mr. Correa. And Mr. Lula da Silva. But also will attend the European leaders.
Mr. Zapatero is deploying his more charming efforts to this meeting to be a success. He just met with the Brazilian and Peruvian presidents. And he showed, as usual, the smile on his face. And he is making comments disminishing the effects of Mr. Chavez recent attacks to Mrs. Merkel, and trying to minimize the differences which may occur with regard to the incident on the last Latin American summit between Mr. Chavez and the King of Spain.
Politics is not about smiling. Politics is not about minimizing confrontation. Politics is about having a position as a country, as a party, as a leader, and understand the different options. And them, defining scenarios and their consequences. And taking decissions. Politics is about maintaining the principles and looking to a way to agree with the other parts. Politics is about looking, when possible, to a win-win relationship.
But, does Mr. Zapatero understand it? Or… does he need two or three evenings to understand it? And the essential: does Mr. Zapatero has a position on the international scenario? Does he have principles? Does he understand the diferent options? Or… will he be smiling all the time without offering nothing? Or… will he be sitting on his chair while the real leaders talk and discuss things?
Mr. Zapatero does not have such concept of the international politics. He only acts as a fireman sorrounded by fire. He only figth the closer, the one which is near him. But does not have a real vision of the problem. And it is a shame. Because the Spanish are paying his mistakes.
merkel is a women.