Conservatives Concede Defeat in Spanish Election

MADRID — Spain's opposition conservatives have conceded defeat in the country's general election.

A Popular Party spokesman, Pio Garcia Ecudero, congratulated the ruling Socialist Party, saying it appeared their victory was clear.

Prime Minister Zapatero's Socialist Party won the election despite worries about a slumping economy, immigration, and resurgent Basque militants.

The results appeared to be an endorsement of Mr. Zapatero's record, which include the withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq and a drive to give more power to Spain's semiautonomous regions.