Destination Risk Register

The Kingdom of Spain is a parliamentary democracy headed by a constitutional monarch. The country has a bicameral parliament, known as the General Courts or National Assembly, consisting of the Congress of Deputies (lower house) and the Senate (upper house). The head of the largest political party or coalition in the Congress of Deputies usually is named to head the government as president of the Council of Ministers, the equivalent of prime minister. Observers consider the national elections to be free and fair. The government had mechanisms in place to identify and punish officials who commit human rights abuses.

The overall score indicates that substantial violations of human rights happen in this country. Compliance with human rights standards cannot be assumed. Particular caution should be exercised. Relevant risks for the tourism sector are, e.g.:

• Existence of criminal libel laws