Spain’s Partido Popular government is reverting to Francoist type over Gibraltar, to the detriment of all.

Tensions have risen between Spain and Gibraltar following the implementation of additional border checks between the two territories by the Spanish government. Gareth Stockey notes that border restrictions are likely to have a damaging effect on both Gibraltar and neighbouring Spanish communities. He argues that the Spanish government’s actions represent a break from the conciliatory stance pursued by the previous Zapatero government, and are more in keeping with the traditional ‘Francoist’ approach of using the Gibraltar issue to divert public and media attention away from domestic problems.