The Spanish unemployment rate rose to 21.29 percent in the first quarter, reaching the highest level since the beginning of 1997, official data showed on Friday. Inflation also rose in April to 3.5 percent from 3.3 percent in March, the highest figure since October 2008. The figures were published by the national statistical institute Ine against a background of severe strains on the Spanish economy arising from weak economic activity and high public deficits and debt.