It all began on April 2, when Zapatero announced before the Socialist Federal Committee that he would not submit to re-election. This dndio the process of primaries of the party, while others, such as Felipe Gonzalez were in favour of choosing a candidate directly. Carme Chacon was not presented to the first because he was at risk the unity of the party. Zapatero proposed to Rubalcaba, and it picked up the glove accepting submitted to the primaries. Rubalcaba has been proclaimed candidate for general elections by the PSOE this Saturday. Barely three months after the President of the Government, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, announced before the PSOE would not repeat as candidate for the general elections, the party has closed this Saturday his succession with Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, after some primary without opponent.

Rubalcaba has placed the party in the beginning of the run-up, though remains the doubt whether the elections will be held next fall or in 2012. These are the main events since Zapatero said that not he opted to run for reelection: April 2, 2011. Zapatero Announces in the Federal Committee of the PSOE, the highest body between congresses, which would not be candidate in the general understanding that it is more convenient to the party, the country and his family. It confirms its intention of straining the legislature and which also announces against the handpick mechanism, his successor as head of the list in 2012 will be chosen in primaries after the municipal and regional elections on May 22. on April 3.

Pre-campaign Sunday. Zapatero receives heat of Socialists supporters at a rally in Murcia while, in two separate acts politicians, the first Vice-President, Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, and Dnsa, Carme Chacon, Minister are acclaimed and received President shouting. on April 5. The Deputy Secretary general of the PSOE, Jose Blanco, promises that it will be completely neutral but not indifferent before the primaries of the PSOE, which shall be convened by the Federal Committee on 28 May.