Zapatero government were merged into the Development and Health ministries. From July 2011, the Council would include only two Deputy Prime Ministers. Zapatero government José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero formed the Zapatero government on 18 April 2004 after being nominated by King Juan Carlos I to form a government as a result of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party's victory at the 2004 general election. Zapatero was nominated again after the 2008 general election to form a new cabinet for a second term in office. The first Zapatero government was the government of Spain from 18 April 2004 to 14 April 2008, a total
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero the opinion polls elaborated at the time foreseen a defeat for Zapatero, as they always predicted a new victory for the People's Party. The campaign for the General Election started a fortnight before 14 March 2004. Polls favoured the People's Party, with some polls predicting a possible repeat of their absolute majority. Previously, on 8 January 2004, Zapatero had created a Committee of Notables composed of 10 highly qualified experts with considerable political weight. Its mission was to help him to become prime minister. Among its members: José Bono (his ex-rival for the Secretaryship of the party and later appointed