Spain belongs to Africa, geologically and historically. Don't get fooled by Spain (or Greece, or Portugal) being a member of the EU. TIA!
We agree Spanish ATC hasn't got the best reputation in the world and reading this thread provides a good selection of examples to prove that. However, your comment heavy.airbourne is just out of order
The former 'recruiting' system was appalling, unfair and it has obviously not produced great results in terms of safe, orderly and expeditious air traffic service. I have to also admit (being Spanish and having lived in the UK for a while) that unfortunately in Spain, not only in aviation but in general 'who you know' gets you much further than 'what you know'.(by this I am not implying that every controller in Spain didn't work hard or didn't have the skills to do the job)
That is why many Spanish professionals go abroad (mainly in EU) to find opportunities to develop their careers and make the most otf their skills and be justly rewarded for it. Some, to your amazement, have ended up being controllers in the UK and can actually make themselves understood in English.