Spanish MP with key role back to work 11 days after giving birth

While most new mothers spend the first few weeks in a state of exhaustion, adjusting to breastfeeding routines and nappies, the government-elect’s rising star is attempting to negotiate an altogether different delivery.

Soraya Saenz Santamaria, a long-time Popular Party spokesman and deputy of Mariano Rajoy has been given the responsibility of overseeing the transferral of powers during the difficult caretaker period as Spain threatens to fall victim to the euro debt crisis before the new government is sworn in mid-December.

But her appointment and decision to forego her right to the mandatory six weeks paid maternity leave has opened debate on the pages of national newspapers and afternoon chat shows in Spain.

She gave birth to her first child, Ivan, on Nov 11 and just a week later appeared in public when she attended the closing campaign rally for the Popular Party in Madrid.

Two days later she was on the balcony of party headquarters celebrating their victory at the polls and the day after at a meeting of top PP members she was seen proudly showing photos of the newborn on her mobile phone.

Her behaviour has refocused debate on the old dilemma of career versus motherhood and drawn both criticism and support. (via Telegraph)