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Study Guide: Felipe González Márquez: A Political Biography

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Felipe González Márquez: A Political Biography Study Guide

Early Political Career and PSOE Leadership

Felipe González served as the leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) from 1974 until 1997.

Answer: True

Explanation: Felipe González was elected Secretary-General of the PSOE in 1974 and remained its leader until 1997, overseeing its transformation and electoral successes.

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Felipe González Márquez was born in Madrid in 1942.

Answer: False

Explanation: Felipe González Márquez was born in Bellavista, Seville, Andalusia, on March 5, 1942, not in Madrid.

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Felipe González pursued studies in engineering at the University of Seville.

Answer: False

Explanation: Felipe González studied law at the University of Seville, not engineering.

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During the Francoist regime, Felipe González was an active member of the official state-controlled trade union.

Answer: False

Explanation: While active in clandestine labor movements during the Francoist regime, Felipe González was involved with the socialist trade union UGT, not the official state-controlled union.

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Felipe González adopted the alias 'Isidoro' during his clandestine political activities under the Francoist regime.

Answer: True

Explanation: During his period of underground political activity and union work under the Francoist dictatorship, Felipe González used the alias 'Isidoro'.

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Felipe González resigned as the leader of the PSOE in 1997.

Answer: True

Explanation: Felipe González stepped down as Secretary-General of the PSOE in 1997, concluding his long tenure leading the party.

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The Suresnes Congress in 1974 marked Felipe González's election as Secretary-General of the PSOE.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Suresnes Congress, held in France, was the pivotal event where Felipe González was elected Secretary-General of the PSOE, initiating his long leadership of the party.

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What political party did Felipe González lead for over two decades?

Answer: The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE)

Explanation: Felipe González led the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) from 1974 to 1997, a period exceeding two decades.

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In which city and region was Felipe González Márquez born?

Answer: Seville, Andalusia

Explanation: Felipe González Márquez was born in Bellavista, Seville, located in the region of Andalusia.

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What academic field did Felipe González study at the University of Seville?

Answer: Law

Explanation: Felipe González pursued and completed a degree in Law at the University of Seville.

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What alias did Felipe González use during his clandestine political activities under the Francoist regime?

Answer: Isidoro

Explanation: During his underground work for the PSOE and UGT under the Franco dictatorship, Felipe González adopted the alias 'Isidoro'.

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While the PSOE was banned during the Francoist regime, which organization did Felipe González join and become active in?

Answer: Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT)

Explanation: Felipe González joined the clandestine socialist trade union, the Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT), during the Francoist era when the PSOE was outlawed.

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What was the significance of the Suresnes Congress for Felipe González's career?

Answer: It marked his election as Secretary-General of the PSOE.

Explanation: The Suresnes Congress, held in 1974, was the pivotal event where Felipe González was elected Secretary-General of the PSOE, initiating his long leadership.

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The González Premiership: Consolidation of Democracy and Modernization

Felipe González Márquez's tenure as Prime Minister of Spain was shorter than that of any other democratically elected leader in the country's history.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is factually incorrect. Felipe González served as Prime Minister for thirteen and a half years, establishing him as Spain's longest-serving democratically elected leader.

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Felipe González played a minor role in Spain's transition to democracy following Franco's death.

Answer: False

Explanation: Felipe González played a pivotal and central role in Spain's transition to democracy, leading the PSOE and negotiating key aspects of the new constitutional order.

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The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) achieved a landslide victory in the 1982 general election, securing an absolute majority in the Congress of Deputies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1982 general election marked a historic moment, with the PSOE securing 202 seats, an absolute majority, enabling Felipe González to form Spain's first majority government since the Second Republic.

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Felipe González's government, characterized by its substantial parliamentary majority, was popularly nicknamed 'La Mayoría' (The Majority).

Answer: False

Explanation: While the government enjoyed a large majority, its nickname was 'el rodillo' (the roller), reflecting its legislative power, not 'La Mayoría'.

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The nickname 'el rodillo' (the roller) implied that Felipe González's government lacked sufficient parliamentary support.

Answer: False

Explanation: The nickname 'el rodillo' signified the opposite: the government's ability to pass legislation easily due to its strong parliamentary majority, not a lack of support.

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The Spanish transition to democracy hindered Felipe González's political career by limiting socialist influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The transition to democracy significantly facilitated Felipe González's political career, enabling the PSOE to emerge as a major force and him to become Prime Minister.

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Following Franco's death, the PSOE emerged as the dominant party in the first democratic general election held in 1977.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 1977 election, the Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD) won, and the PSOE became the main opposition party, not the dominant one.

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Felipe González served as Prime Minister of Spain for a duration of thirteen and a half years.

Answer: True

Explanation: Felipe González's premiership lasted for approximately thirteen and a half years, from December 1982 to May 1996, making him the longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister in Spanish history.

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General Manuel Gutiérrez Mellado advised Felipe González to refrain from discussing the Civil War during the initial phase of the transition to democracy.

Answer: True

Explanation: General Manuel Gutiérrez Mellado, a key figure in the transition, advised Felipe González to postpone discussions about the Civil War until the generation that experienced it had passed, aiming to foster national reconciliation.

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Felipe González Márquez is primarily known in Spanish politics as:

Answer: The longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister of Spain.

Explanation: Felipe González served as Prime Minister for thirteen and a half years, making him Spain's longest-serving democratically elected leader.

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For what duration did Felipe González serve as Prime Minister of Spain?

Answer: Exactly 13.5 years

Explanation: Felipe González's premiership lasted for approximately thirteen and a half years, from December 1982 to May 1996.

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What significant political event in 1982 paved the way for Felipe González to become Prime Minister of Spain?

Answer: A PSOE general election victory

Explanation: The decisive victory of the PSOE in the 1982 general election marked the return of socialist governance and installed Felipe González as Prime Minister.

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What nickname was colloquially given to Felipe González's government, reflecting its strong parliamentary majority?

Answer: El Rodillo (The Roller)

Explanation: The government's substantial majority in parliament led to it being nicknamed 'el rodillo' (the roller), signifying its legislative power.

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The nickname 'el rodillo' for Felipe González's government primarily signified:

Answer: Its ability to pass legislation easily due to a large majority.

Explanation: 'El rodillo' (the roller) referred to the significant parliamentary majority held by Felipe González's government, which enabled it to pass legislation with considerable ease.

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How did the Spanish transition to democracy impact Felipe González's political trajectory?

Answer: It allowed him to become a prominent opposition leader and eventually Prime Minister.

Explanation: The democratic transition provided the political space for Felipe González to lead the modernized PSOE, rise as a key opposition figure, and ultimately secure the premiership.

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In the 1977 general election, the first after Franco's death, the PSOE's position was:

Answer: The second most-voted party, forming the opposition.

Explanation: In the 1977 election, the UCD won, and the PSOE, led by Felipe González, became the principal opposition party.

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Social and Economic Reforms

Key social reforms enacted during Felipe González's premiership included the expansion of the social security system and the partial legalization of abortion.

Answer: True

Explanation: Felipe González's governments implemented significant social reforms, encompassing improvements to the social security system, educational access, and the introduction of legislation allowing for the partial legalization of abortion.

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Between 1982 and 1994, Spanish social expenditure as a percentage of the European level decreased significantly.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, Spanish social expenditure as a percentage of the European level increased substantially during this period, rising from 63.7% to 87.6%.

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The González government initiated the development of Spain's high-speed rail network.

Answer: True

Explanation: Significant infrastructural projects were undertaken during Felipe González's premiership, including the foundational development of Spain's high-speed rail network (AVE).

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Felipe González's administration established a comprehensive welfare state and enhanced social programs, including pensions and unemployment benefits.

Answer: True

Explanation: A cornerstone of Felipe González's policy was the consolidation of Spain's welfare state, marked by improvements in social security, pensions, and unemployment support.

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During Felipe González's tenure, the mandatory school-leaving age in Spain was lowered from 16 to 14.

Answer: False

Explanation: The school-leaving age was actually raised from 14 to 16 under Felipe González's government as part of educational reforms.

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Felipe González was instrumental in the creation of the Spanish National Health Service.

Answer: True

Explanation: The establishment of a universal, publicly funded Spanish National Health Service was a significant achievement of the González governments.

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During Felipe González's tenure, Spanish social expenditure as a percentage of the European level rose from 63.7% to 87.6%.

Answer: True

Explanation: This period saw a significant increase in Spain's social expenditure relative to the European average, growing from 63.7% to 87.6% between 1982 and 1994.

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Which of the following was NOT among the significant social reforms implemented during Felipe González's premiership?

Answer: Introduction of a 35-hour workweek

Explanation: While reforms expanded social security, legalized abortion partially, and reformed university education, the introduction of a 35-hour workweek was not a key reform of this period.

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What was the trend of Spanish social expenditure as a percentage of the European level between 1982 and 1994 under Felipe González's government?

Answer: It increased from 63.7% to 87.6%.

Explanation: Spanish social expenditure relative to the European average saw a substantial increase during this period, rising from 63.7% to 87.6%.

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Which significant infrastructural development was initiated during the González government?

Answer: The development of Spain's high-speed rail network

Explanation: The González administration laid the groundwork for Spain's modern high-speed rail network (AVE) as part of its broader infrastructure development agenda.

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What key reform did Felipe González implement concerning Spain's healthcare system?

Answer: Creation of the Spanish National Health Service

Explanation: A major achievement of Felipe González's government was the establishment of the Spanish National Health Service, providing universal healthcare access.

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Foreign Policy and International Relations

Spain joined the European Economic Community (EEC) during Felipe González's first term as Prime Minister.

Answer: False

Explanation: Spain officially joined the EEC on January 1, 1986, which falls within Felipe González's second term as Prime Minister, not his first.

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Felipe González advocated for Spain's withdrawal from NATO during the 1986 referendum.

Answer: False

Explanation: In a significant policy shift, Felipe González supported Spain's continued membership in NATO during the 1986 referendum, reversing the PSOE's historical stance.

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Spain established full diplomatic relations with Israel for the first time during Felipe González's premiership.

Answer: True

Explanation: Diplomatic relations between Spain and Israel were formally established on January 17, 1986, during Felipe González's second term as Prime Minister.

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Spain hosted the Madrid Conference in 1991, a significant event that facilitated peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1991 Madrid Conference, convened under Spanish auspices, marked a crucial step in the Middle East peace process, bringing together Israeli and Palestinian representatives.

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Felipe González visited Israel in the 1970s under his own name to foster diplomatic ties.

Answer: False

Explanation: Felipe González visited Israel in the 1970s using an alias, contributing to the eventual establishment of diplomatic relations.

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The Madrid Conference of 1991, hosted by Spain, was convened to resolve disputes within the European Union.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Madrid Conference of 1991 focused on facilitating peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians, not resolving internal EU disputes.

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Spain's accession to the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1986 played a role in consolidating its democratic system.

Answer: True

Explanation: Joining the EEC in 1986 was a significant milestone that reinforced Spain's democratic consolidation and integration into European political and economic structures.

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Which major international organization did Spain join in 1986, during Felipe González's second term as Prime Minister?

Answer: European Economic Community (EEC)

Explanation: Spain officially became a member of the European Economic Community (EEC) on January 1, 1986.

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What was Felipe González's stance regarding Spain's NATO membership during the 1986 referendum?

Answer: He supported remaining in NATO, reversing previous party positions.

Explanation: Felipe González reversed the PSOE's long-standing anti-NATO position and campaigned for Spain to remain in the alliance during the 1986 referendum.

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When did Spain officially establish diplomatic relations with Israel under the González government?

Answer: 1986

Explanation: Spain formally established diplomatic relations with Israel on January 17, 1986.

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What was the primary significance of the Madrid Conference of 1991, hosted by Spain?

Answer: To broker peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.

Explanation: The 1991 Madrid Conference was convened to initiate and facilitate peace negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian delegations.

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What action did Felipe González take regarding Spain's relationship with Israel in the 1970s?

Answer: He visited Israel under an assumed name.

Explanation: During the 1970s, Felipe González visited Israel using an alias, contributing to the eventual normalization of relations between the two countries.

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What was the main purpose of the 1991 Madrid Conference hosted by Spain?

Answer: To broker peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.

Explanation: The 1991 Madrid Conference was convened to initiate and facilitate peace negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian delegations.

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Challenges, Scandals, and the End of an Era

In February 1983, the González government nationalized the private conglomerate Rumasa.

Answer: True

Explanation: The government nationalized Rumasa in February 1983, citing concerns over its financial stability and potential impact on depositors and employees.

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Following the loss of its outright majority in the 1989 general election, the PSOE regained it in subsequent elections.

Answer: False

Explanation: The PSOE lost its outright majority in the 1989 election, securing a third consecutive term but without an absolute majority. It did not regain the absolute majority in subsequent elections during González's tenure.

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Following the 1993 general election, Felipe González formed a government that relied on support from nationalist parties.

Answer: True

Explanation: After the 1993 election, the PSOE lacked an absolute majority, necessitating the formation of a minority government supported by pacts with regional nationalist parties.

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Towards the conclusion of Felipe González's premiership, significant corruption and state terrorism scandals, notably involving allegations concerning the GAL, came to prominence.

Answer: True

Explanation: The final years of Felipe González's government were marked by investigations into corruption and allegations of state-sponsored terrorism, particularly related to the actions of the GAL (Grupos Antiterroristas de Liberación).

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Declassified CIA information released in 2020 confirmed that Felipe González had authorized the creation of the GAL.

Answer: True

Explanation: In June 2020, declassified CIA documents indicated that Felipe González had authorized the formation of the GAL, a paramilitary group involved in counter-terrorism operations.

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José María Aznar succeeded Felipe González as Prime Minister of Spain following the 1996 general election.

Answer: True

Explanation: José María Aznar, leader of the People's Party (PP), became Prime Minister in 1996, succeeding Felipe González after the PSOE lost the general election.

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The government's anti-terrorism efforts in 1992 resulted in the significant strengthening of the terrorist organization ETA.

Answer: False

Explanation: The anti-terrorism operations in 1992, including the capture of ETA's leadership and arsenal, significantly weakened the organization, rather than strengthening it.

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The GAL (Grupos Antiterroristas de Liberación) was a paramilitary group established to combat the terrorist organization ETA.

Answer: True

Explanation: The GAL was indeed a paramilitary group formed during the 1980s with the stated objective of combating ETA through covert operations.

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Javier Solana was appointed Secretary General of NATO in December 1995, shortly before Felipe González concluded his term as Prime Minister.

Answer: True

Explanation: Javier Solana's appointment as NATO Secretary General in December 1995 occurred near the end of Felipe González's premiership.

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Corruption scandals, such as the case involving Luis Roldán, enhanced the PSOE's popularity towards the end of Felipe González's government.

Answer: False

Explanation: Corruption scandals, including the Luis Roldán affair, significantly damaged the PSOE's public image and eroded popular support during the latter part of González's government.

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The People's Party (PP), led by Felipe González, won the 1996 general election.

Answer: False

Explanation: The People's Party (PP) won the 1996 general election, but it was led by José María Aznar, not Felipe González, who led the PSOE.

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The devastating Hipercor bombing in 1987 was perpetrated by the Basque separatist group ETA.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1987 bombing at the Hipercor shopping center in Barcelona, which resulted in numerous fatalities, was one of ETA's most notorious attacks.

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Felipe González's wife, Mar García Vaquero, was implicated in the Panama Papers scandal.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2016, Mar García Vaquero, the wife of Felipe González, was named in the Panama Papers, bringing attention to offshore financial dealings.

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What was the primary justification provided by the González government for the nationalization of Rumasa in 1983?

Answer: Rumasa was on the verge of bankruptcy.

Explanation: The government cited Rumasa's precarious financial situation and impending bankruptcy as the primary reasons for its nationalization in 1983.

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In the 1989 general election, Felipe González's PSOE:

Answer: Secured a third successive mandate but lost its outright majority.

Explanation: The PSOE secured a third consecutive term in 1989 under Felipe González, but it failed to achieve an absolute majority in parliament.

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What challenge did Felipe González face in forming a government following the 1993 general election?

Answer: He needed to form a coalition with nationalist parties.

Explanation: After the 1993 election, the PSOE lacked an absolute majority, requiring Felipe González to negotiate support pacts with nationalist parties to form a minority government.

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Which of the following was a major scandal associated with the concluding period of Felipe González's premiership?

Answer: The GAL allegations (dirty war against ETA)

Explanation: Allegations concerning the GAL (Grupos Antiterroristas de Liberación) and state terrorism were significant scandals that emerged towards the end of Felipe González's time in office.

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What did declassified CIA information confirm in June 2020 concerning Felipe González and the GAL?

Answer: That González authorized the creation of the GAL.

Explanation: Declassified CIA documents released in 2020 indicated that Felipe González had authorized the formation of the GAL.

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Who succeeded Felipe González as Prime Minister of Spain after the 1996 general election?

Answer: José María Aznar

Explanation: José María Aznar, leader of the People's Party (PP), became Prime Minister in 1996, succeeding Felipe González.

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How did the government's anti-terrorism efforts impact ETA in 1992?

Answer: ETA's central arsenal and ruling body were captured.

Explanation: In 1992, significant anti-terrorism operations led to the capture of ETA's central arsenal and its ruling body, severely weakening the organization.

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What controversy surrounded the GAL (Grupos Antiterroristas de Liberación) during Felipe González's premiership?

Answer: It was linked to the deaths of innocent civilians.

Explanation: The GAL became embroiled in controversy due to allegations that its operations resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians, alongside its counter-terrorism activities against ETA.

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What impact did scandals, such as the case involving Luis Roldán, have on the PSOE's popularity during the late 1990s?

Answer: They eroded popular support for the party.

Explanation: Corruption scandals, including the Luis Roldán affair, significantly damaged the PSOE's public image and eroded popular support towards the end of Felipe González's government.

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In the 1996 general election, the PSOE led by Felipe González:

Answer: Lost the general election to the People's Party.

Explanation: In the 1996 general election, the PSOE, led by Felipe González, lost to the People's Party (PP) under José María Aznar.

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Post-Premiership and Lasting Influence

Following his departure from the premiership, Felipe González engaged in mediating peace talks in the Balkans under the auspices of the OSCE.

Answer: True

Explanation: After leaving office, Felipe González took on international roles, including serving as a mediator for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in the Balkans.

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In 1997, Felipe González was considered a prominent candidate for the position of President of the European Commission.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following his premiership, Felipe González was among the individuals considered for the presidency of the European Commission in 1997.

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Felipe González has consistently supported the formation of coalition governments that include the political party Podemos.

Answer: False

Explanation: Felipe González has been a vocal critic of Podemos, viewing it as a populist threat and actively lobbying against coalition arrangements between Podemos and the PSOE.

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In 2015, Felipe González received an award recognizing his contributions to the advancement of democracy in Latin America.

Answer: True

Explanation: Felipe González was honored in 2015 with the Distinguished Leadership Award for Public Service in the Americas, acknowledging his commitment to democratic principles in Latin America.

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Felipe González is known to pursue the hobby of collecting rare stamps.

Answer: False

Explanation: Felipe González's known hobby is tending to bonsai trees, not collecting rare stamps.

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Felipe González co-authored the book 'El Socialismo' in 1997.

Answer: True

Explanation: Felipe González is credited as a co-author of the book 'El Socialismo', published in 1997.

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In 1999, Felipe González was assigned the task of addressing the challenges posed by globalization for the PSOE.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following his premiership, Felipe González led the PSOE's Global Progress Commission, established in 1999 to analyze and respond to the complexities of globalization.

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After leaving office, Felipe González undertook roles including mediation in which region for the OSCE?

Answer: Yugoslavia

Explanation: Felipe González served as a mediator for the OSCE in Yugoslavia following his tenure as Prime Minister.

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In 1997, Felipe González was considered a potential candidate for which high-profile European position?

Answer: President of the European Commission

Explanation: Following his departure from Spanish politics, Felipe González was considered a leading candidate for the presidency of the European Commission.

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What is Felipe González's stated view regarding the political party Podemos since 2015?

Answer: He considers it a populist threat and lobbies against coalitions with them.

Explanation: Felipe González has publicly expressed strong reservations about Podemos, characterizing it as a populist threat and advocating against coalition governments involving the party.

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What personal hobby is mentioned for Felipe González?

Answer: Tending to bonsai trees

Explanation: Felipe González is known to have a personal interest in tending to bonsai trees.

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Which of the following is listed as one of Felipe González's published works?

Answer: El Futuro no es lo que era

Explanation: Felipe González has authored several books, including 'El Futuro no es lo que era', published in 2002.

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