"Spain is growing today and jobs are being created", says Mariano Rajoy

Lower House of Parliament, Madrid

In response to a question from the spokesman for Izquierda Plural [Plural Left], Alberto Garzón, Mariano Rajoy recalled that 2012 was a year of "enormous difficulties for all Spaniards". Among other things, "Spain was on the verge of bankruptcy, about to leave the Euro" and "many voices were calling for a bailout". The President of the Government added "it was possible to side-step those catastrophes, thereby avoiding several very tough cutbacks, especially in terms of pensions and unemployment benefits".

Change in trend

The President of the Government insisted that, "between 2014 and 2015, the number of National Insurance contributors will increase by more than one million". He went on to explain that "this is a highly positive figure and reflects the change in trend that has taken place in our country in recent years".

Mariano Rajoy said that the economic crisis has been dealt with and both the pension system and unemployment benefits have been maintained, the PREPARA Plan has been extended and, moreover, an agreement was reached with the UGT and CCOO trade unions on a programme for the long-term unemployed with family responsibilities. He added "there is still a lot to do but we have managed to reverse one of the most complicated situations we have encountered in many years".

Spain is focused on the path to recovery

In response to the leader of the PSOE [Socialist Workers' Party], Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Government said that, in 2015, "things will progress much better, there will be increased economic growth" adding that "we are clearly focused on and travelling down the path of economic recovery".

Mariano Rajoy also admonished the socialist leader by saying that "those responsible for destroying the labour rights of the Spanish people were those who sent 3.4 million people into unemployment". He also accused the PSOE of denying the crisis while they were in government and not recognising the recovery now. "Ignoring the reality is an excellent way to avoid having to take decisions", he said.

The Labour Force Survey (EPA)

In this regard, the President of the Government stressed that the Spanish economy posted positive growth in 2014 "following six years of negative economic growth". Furthermore, jobs are being created, the number of National Insurance contributors rose for Pool Moncloathe first time in seven years and the number of permanent employment contracts rose by 19%. Mariano Rajoy also stressed that inflation is under control and that "tourism, exports and consumption are all growing".

The President of the Government acknowledged that "the change is not sufficient, but employment was falling by 8% per year in 2011. It is now rising by 5% per year". He also announced that "you will see that for yourselves in tomorrow's Labour Force Survey".

Statements in the corridors

After the government control session and while speaking in the corridors of parliament, Mariano Rajoy was asked about the Bárcenas Affair. The President of the Government referred to what other members of the government have already said on the issue: "That person has not been a member of the PP for a long time now". After asking the justice system to act swiftly and close this case "as soon as possible", he stressed that the Government of Spain has presented "various bills to avoid these situations ever being repeated in the future of our country".