24 May 2007

MADRID - The number of divorces in Spain increased by 51 percent in 2006 relative to the previous year, which translates into an EU-leading rate of 3.16 divorces per every 1,000 inhabitants, according to the Institute for Family Policy.

Marital dissolutions in Spain rose steadily over a five-year period and have skyrocketed since the Socialists regained power in 2004. From 37,586 cases in 2001, the number of divorces rose to 42,017 in 2002, 47,319 in 2003, 52,591 in 2004, 93,536 in 2005 and 141,817 last year.

The number of cases of divorce plus separations also rose in 2006, climbing to 155,000 cases compared with 149,000 the previous year.

According to IPF President Eduardo Hertfelder, these figures "represent an unprecedented acceleration in the breakdown of the family."

The official said the sharp rise in divorce figures is the result of the so-called "express divorce" law passed in 2005, adding that "urgent measures must be taken to stop this veritable social suicide."

"A true change in course is needed as far as legal measures (and) social and cultural protection of marriage and the family to rectify this tremendous crisis we're experiencing in Spain," Hertfelder said.

Efforts by the administration of Socialist Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero - inaugurated in 2004 - to ease restrictions on divorce, legalize gay marriage and allow same-sex couples to adopt children have been harshly criticized by the Catholic Church, which has said Spanish society is being tempted by proposals for radical secular lifestyles.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news