The Spanish President, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, is preparing for a radical reshuffle of his cabinet. It is believed that the changes expcted to be announced in the next few hours will go much further than the substitution of the Minister for Work, Celstino Corbacho, and will affect up to six ministries.

According to the latest information available Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba will become the first Vice-President – this post is currently occupied by María Teresa Fernández de la Vega. In addition, he will become the government’s spokesperson while keeping hold of his current post as Minister for the Home Office.

It is rumoured that Trinidad Jiménez will substitute Miguel Ángel Moratinos in the Foreign Ministry and that Leire Pajín will take charge of the Ministry of Health. It is also believed that Valeriano Gómez will take over from Celestino Corbacho as Minister for Work.

Finally reports also suggest that Rosa Aguilar, the former mayor of Cordoba for Izquierda Unida, will take over the job of Minister for the Environment from Elena Espinosa and that Ramón Jáuregui will be responsible for the presidency.