24th France-Spain Summit

"We are all in favour of growth and job creation in Europe", says Mariano Rajoy

2014.12.1

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Élysée Palace, Paris (France)

Mariano Rajoy and François Hollande met within the framework of the 24th France-Spain Summit, where among other issues, they tackled the energy interconnections between the two countries, the economic situation in Europe and collaboration in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.

At the joint press conference offered by the two leaders, Mariano Rajoy highlighted that Spain will support the plan announced by the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, and that at the upcoming European Council, he will ask for the investments contained in the plan to be made available quickly.

The two leaders also tackled public deficit policies. "We have spoken about the European Central Bank and the latest statements made by Mario Draghi on the need to defend the inflationary targets and increase growth in the Eurozone", stated Mariano Rajoy.

Pool MoncloaFurthermore, Mariano Rajoy and François Hollande reaffirmed the commitments made at the latest European Council meeting on electricity and gas interconnections. "We have agreed to request financing both under the Juncker plan and through the current Budget in force for the years 2014-2020".

In terms of foreign policy, they spoke about the situation in Libya, Mali, the Central African Republic, Syria and Iraq. The President of the Government commented that, in the case of Libya, it is necessary to take decisions as soon as possible, in order to "promote political dialogue between the various groups, maintain unity and achieve stability in the country".

Mariano Rajoy also stated that he will do whatever he can, during his time at the Ibero-American Summit in Veracruz, to ensure that Central and South American countries commit to the goals of the Climate Summit to be held next year in Paris.

Unemployment figures

The President of the Government trusts that the recorded unemployment and National Insurance contributor figures, which will be published on Tuesday by the Ministry of Employment and Social Security, continue to show signs of improvement "in November, December and, with greater force if indeed possible, over the course of 2015".

On another note, Mariano Rajoy thanked François Hollande "for the efforts, dedication and affection" shown by the French Maritime Rescue service to the crew of the Galician fishing vessel that sank in French waters.

Fiscal consolidation with reasonable timelines

Pool MoncloaWhen asked by journalists about austerity policies in the European Union, Mariano Rajoy recalled that when he came to power, the public deficit in Spain stood at 9.2% while the target set by the European Commission stood at 4.4%. "Within a year and in the midst of a recession it was impossible to reduce it to 4.4%. We spoke with the Commission, presented our programme, which the Commission fully understood, it acted flexibly and this year Spain has to reach, and will reach, a target of 5.5%".

Hence, he argued, "in Europe we are all in favour of economic growth, job creation, certain levels of well-being and wealth, fiscal consolidation , albeit within certain timelines and at a reasonable rhythm, structural reforms defending the targets set for inflation and growth that should be seen in the European Union". Mariano Rajoy added that Europe is built on the basis of "agreements between us all and of using the experiences of one to help others".

Current affairs

Pool MoncloaRegarding the violence surrounding football, following the death of a Deportivo fan in Madrid, the President of the Government asked for a joint effort from the government, the directors of football clubs and the media, "not only to condemn this type of event that unfortunately still takes place, but also "to try to ensure that it does not happen again". He also commented that the State Secretary for Sport and the State Secretary for Security will appear before Parliament to explain the events.

Also on a domestic front, Mariano Rajoy stressed that the only change that will take place in his government is in relation to the Health portfolio since he is "very pleased" with the work of the current ministers. As regards the possibility of reaching post-electoral agreements with the PSOE [Socialist Workers' Party], he commented that, at this time, the issue "has not even been raised" and that his only concern consists of "governing in a complex and difficult situation".

As regards whether Judge Pablo Ruz should conclude the case that allegedly affects the PP [People's Party], the President of the Government reiterated his respect for judicial independence and pointed out that "it doesn't fall to the government, but to the governing body of the judicial system to take decisions on this issue, and hence, I have nothing to say regardless of the decision taken".

Picasso Museum in Paris

Pool MoncloaAt the end of the summit, Mariano Rajoy and François Hollande made a private visit to the Picasso Museum in Paris, which reopened on 25 October after five years of reforms. On their tour round the institution, they were accompanied by the Ministers for Culture of their respective countries, José Ignacio Wert and Fleur Pellerin.