TW
8

Why do some Spaniards have such a low opinion of their country? I was part of a radio debate programme the other day and all the other guests were complaining about the state of the Spanish National Health Service. I replied that they should be proud of the local health service, it is excellent and I am talking from personal experience. I would even say that the British National Health Service can learn a lot from their Spanish counterparts.

Another chief Spanish moan is the state of their civil service. Now, they may not be the nicest people on earth but I would say that by-and-large the Spanish state works very well, especially these days that you can book an appointment. I often tell Spanish colleagues that they are lucky to live in a country like Spain and you would never find a Briton or a German criticising their country to such a degree.

Spain should be more confident about itself. These days it is a modern European country with some first rate facilities from roads to hospitals and from trains to airports. The quality of life is one of the reasons why millions of people dream about moving here. But, as we all know, there is a lot more to Spain than just the climate. This country has come a long way since the death of dictator Franco in 1975. His evil regime kept Spain isolated from the world and this must explain why some Spaniards still have a low opinion of their country - they shouldn't. Be proud.