Mariano Rajoy highlights "political and social" commitment from Spanish society and Government of Spain to victims of terrorism

Villasuso Palace, Vitoria

In his speech, Mariano Rajoy said that today is an important day "for remembrance, the truth, dignity and justice" because both the inauguration of the Victims of Terrorism Memorial Centre and the start of the conference entitled "Memory and Victims of Terrorism: the Victim's Perspective" serve to express, "most resoundingly, the political and moral commitment from Spanish society and its government" to those who have suffered "most directly from the senselessness of terror".

The President of the Government believes that the remembrance of victims is "a core part of the civic legacy we are going to leave behind for future generations". He also said that, if there is one State policy that demands unity and continuity, then it is "the ever-lasting tribute to victims and the preservation of the values of dignity and justice that they embody".

Mariano Rajoy went on to say that the memorial inaugurated in Vitoria is "a centre by and for the victims, for remembering them and paying tribute, as well as a shared place for democracy, freedom and values". He explained that the centre must serve to cement in the conscience of the Spanish people the historic truth of what happened so that "future generations know first-hand what occurred with ETA terrorism, in order to achieve its complete moral and political de-legitimisation, so that the barbarity of terror can never rise again".

The President of the Government believes that this will avoid terrorists taking possession of "a narrative that belongs only to the victims".

Recognition for those who have fought against terrorism

Mariano Rajoy recognised "the tireless and exemplary actions" of the State law enforcement agencies and judges for their "unwavering defence of our freedom and commitment to our rule of law". He also highlighted the commitment from intellectuals, media and legislators. All of them, together with Basque and Spanish society, "have helped build the narrative that culminates today in this very centre".

Pool MoncloaBefore concluding his speech, the President of the Government warned that "terror and barbarity take many forms and hide behind countless excuses", adding that, as seen recently in Paris and Tunis, "we unfortunately remain unable to talk about terrorism as a thing of the past". We must remain "ready and vigilant" because "the threat never sleeps", he said.

Mariano Rajoy believes that the fight against terrorism must be based on seamless unity among democrats and on international cooperation. "We must increase our efforts because there is nothing more decent that we could do", he said.

The inauguration ceremony for this centre dedicated to the victims of terrorism was also attended by Mari Mar Blanco, President of the Victims of Terrorism Foundation; Javier Maroto, Mayor of Vitoria; Javier de Andrés, Deputy General of Álava; and the President of the Regional Basque Government, Iñigo Urkullu.