Mr Speaker,
Here I conclude the exposition of the basic elements of my Government's programme; but this exposition would be incomplete if, with all solemnity in my tone and all sincerity in my purpose, I failed to reiterate something that I have already mentioned during the course of my speech.
I begin my Government's actions in this term with the commitment, first to offer, and then to achieve, a peaceful political climate, one characterized by a commitment to dialogue and consensus. We owe this to the Spanish people.
In keeping with this, I am determined to reach a democratic commitment to fight terrorism, which all the political parties represented in Parliament can share and promote, and in which the citizenry may see itself collectively reflected and protected.
Spain's Presidency of the European Union in 2010 is undoubtedly a national objective in which we must all become involved, and whose success we should all share. I would like to reach a consensus on the objectives to be attained during our Presidency, and thus raise the level of consensus among us regarding the future development of the European Union, a key element of our foreign policy.
Moving to another sphere, I would like to propose two specific agreements that we should reach as soon as possible. The first, regarding the urgent renovation of our most relevant constitutional bodies, the Constitutional Court and the General Council of the Judiciary. This agreement will enable and facilitate the achievement of other agreements on urgent judicial reforms. The second, regarding the financing system for Spain's Autonomous Communities which is, as I have already said, a key element for the stability of our institutional system.
This commitment to agreement, to consensus, to compromise, has singular interlocutors outside of this Chamber. I reiterate my intention to propose to the trade unions and business associations a new commitment to collective bargaining to dynamize the economy, modernize the job market, ensure equal salaries for men and women, combat workplace injuries, and ensure the special status and sustainability of our social protection system.
I propose to all of our citizens, their organizations, and representatives, to all of the Administrations and other institutions, an active commitment to support the EXPO Zaragoza, the America's Cup in Valencia, Madrid's Olympic candidacy, the acts for commemorating the bicentennials of events that occurred in Spain and the Americas between 1808 and 1812, and, more generally, the defence and dissemination of our greatest riches: our culture, our cultures; our language, our languages.
But my offer of consensus refers, basically, to you, Honourable Members, who represent over 44 million Spaniards. This is aimed at all of you equally, but with particular emphasis on the main opposition party, which has a very estimable representation here. And I formulate this personally to its leader-to you, Mr Rajoy. It is true that the Spanish people have not conferred on you, with their votes, the task of forming a Government, but it is also true that with their votes, they have entrusted you with an important responsibility.
To crown our collective challenges with success is a mission that corresponds, firstly, to the Government, and the Government will be up to the task; however, it is highly desirable for the opposition to contribute, in affairs of State, to achieving the great collective ambitions of the Spanish people. I trust, Mr Rajoy, that it will be thus, and you can count on me.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Honourable Members,
One is only responsible when one is free. The Spanish people alive today are responsible for the last thirty years in Spain, the thirty years of democracy during which we have been free.
Many of those who made possible our present situation are no longer with us. Every day, fewer remain in the ranks of our parents' generation. We owe them a great deal. Every one of them did what they could: Some remembered; some forgot; and all of them, together, brought reconciliation.
Today's shining Spain, its freedom, its prosperity, has its roots in the efforts of this generation, which knew dark years and which, in the darkness, was able to dream what we are today. They stamped our democracy with its hallmarks: individual freedom, and social solidarity. Other, younger generations had the honour of successfully expressing these traits through the prose of our Constitution and our laws.
Three decades ago, the Spanish people envied the freedom and wellbeing of our neighbours; a little over a decade ago, these same European neighbours welcomed our rapid advances; today, they admire our achievements. Today, we can proudly show our modern infrastructures, our capacity for innovation, the vitality of our cultural life, and the freedom of our customs. Our recent past gives us cause for optimism, and reasons for hope.
I do not deny that there are difficulties and that, once we have overcome them, other, new ones will appear. In the end, what society doesn't have them? What I can affirm is that we shall be able to face, successfully, whatever setbacks we might encounter.
This is my idea of Spain, Honourable Members, a country proud of its achievements and able to learn from its mistakes in order to avoid repeating them; a country that moves forward in unity and diversity, guided by the experience of its elderly and the drive of its young; a country of free women and men.
To govern this country during the next four years, to put into practice these projects and this idea of Spain, I ask for your confidence.
Thank you very much.