Acebes holds a degree in law from the University of Salamanca . He has been a member of parliament for the rightwing People 's Party since 1996 , representing Avila . He played a key role in securing the support of minority parties and so making it possible for the People 's Party to form a government . He was Justice Minister from 1999-2002 and Interior Minister from 2002-04 . He was Interior Minister - responsible for national security and Police - when the Madrid bombings occurred and was criticised by his opponents for blaming the attacks on ETA , allegedly for electoral gain , rather than on Islamic militants
Madrid bombings
2004 Madrid train bombings
Ángel Acebes