Graduate in Law. 1962, joined the Young Socialist and 1964, the Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE); 1965-70, Member, Provincial Committee, Seville and the National Committee, PSOE; 1970, elected to the Executive Committee; 1974, elected Secretary-General, PSOE and 1976, re-elected; 1977, elected Deputy for Madrid; 1980, appointed Deputy Chairman, Socialist International; 1981, named Secretary-General, PSOE; 1982, elected Prime Minister of Spain (re-elected in 1986, 1989 and 1993).