by Maja Gojkovic

11.7 million tuned in to a live and televised debate to see the Prime Minister Zapatero and his opposition, Mariano Rajoy, battle it out, in their last opportunity to air their opionons and policies ahead of the elections on 9 March. 

According to the newspapers, the debate was a clear win for the prime minister and also according to the polls, as he came top in four opinion polls after the debate last night. Another poll for the TV station Cuatro gave Mr Zapatero 50.8%, against 29% for Popular Party leader Mariano Rajoy.

The debate, yet again, was heated, as the two called each other liars in angry exchanges on the economy and terrorism. Mr Rajoy accused the government of weakness on the issue of immigration; Zapatero defended and responded to this by saying that immigrants were a contribution to the Spanish Society.

 Mr Rajoy continued to use immigration as his main line of attack, saying that, “Uncontrolled immigration is a danger, and some Spaniards may feel that they are negatively affected - when they try to access to healthcare or housing, or find a place in school for their children. Your policy has been weak.”

The prime minister pointed out the partnership agreements with African governments that had helped reduce the flow of illegal immigrants, he also explained that foreigners residing legally in Spain were net contributors to social security and had helped stimulate the economy.

Recent figures show that Spain accounts for well over a third of all net immigration into the European Union.

Another poll for La Sexta television put Mr Zapatero on 49.2% and his rival on 29.8%, with 21% calling it a draw.  The most recent opinion polls before Monday gave Mr Zapatero’s Socialists a lead of about 4% over the conservative PP.

Elections will take place on 9 March.