Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero proposed Deputy Prime Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba as the candidate to lead the ruling Socialists (PSOE) into the 2012 general elections, Reuters quoted media reports as saying on Friday. Zapatero made the proposal during a meeting of regional Socialist heads which he had called ahead of the ruling PSOE leadership meeting on Saturday to reach an agreement on the party's future after a drubbing in Sunday's polls. The worst municipal results for the Socialists since Spain returned to democracy in 1978 have stirred mutiny in party ranks, threatening months of policy paralysis and heightening the chances of an early election. On Thursday, Defence Minister Carme Chacon said she would not seek the Socialist candidacy, clearing the way for Rubalcaba. Infrastructure Minister Jose Blanco was expected to brief journalists on the outcome of Friday evening's meeting.
