Mariano Rajoy hopes new regional financing model can be approved "unanimously" during first half of 2016

Albalate de Cinca, Huesca

Mariano Rajoy recalled that "water is a valuable and scarce resource that we are called upon to manage with the utmost responsibility in the best interests of everyone". He then added that water policy is "a State policy" that requires "rigorous planning, efficient management and dialogue with everyone".

In this regard, President of the Government Rajoy stressed that, during the course of this legislature, an "unprecedented" boost has been given to the commitments contained in the Water Pact in Aragon, as reflected in the more than 70 projects carried out.

He also said that the State Budget for 2016 "contains a provision of over 120 million euros for various projects" related to the water policy. These projects, he explained, develop the rural environment and, by doing so, "generate growth, stimulate employment and help create a future for us all".

The significant importance of the farming sector

Pool Moncloa / D. MudarraIn this regard, the President of the Government highlighted the important role played by farming operations in the Spanish export sector. He explained that exports are led by capital goods, but that second place is disputed between the automotive sector, chemical products, the farming sector and the agri-food industry.

He said that the farming, livestock and agri-food sectors have "a bright future in Spain and undoubtedly deserve the backing and support of all public authorities".

New autonomous region financing system in 2016

The President of the Government also recalled that a new financing system will be launched in early 2016. "I hope that, with cooperation from all concerned, good will and without bickering amongst ourselves, we can approve it unanimously this time round during the first half of 2016", he said.

Mariano Rajoy stressed that the regional governments will receive almost 10 billion euros more this year, thanks to the fact that "the resources available to public authorities are on the rise" because economic activity has increased and employment is rising.

The San Salvador Reservoir, an ambitious infrastructure project

Pool Moncloa / David MudarraThe San Salvador Reservoir, explained Mariano Rajoy, "is one of the most ambitious projects to have been carried out in recent times". Its technical characteristics give an idea of "the magnitude and repercussions" of the project: with a useful capacity of 126 cubic hectometres, it will benefit 37 towns in Aragon and Catalonia, as well as 11,000 farming operations with a surface area of over 100,000 hectares.

Mariano Rajoy added that, "this reservoir, which benefits Huesca, Lleida, Aragon and Catalonia, clearly reflects the principle of solidarity that unites us all".

The President of the Government particularly thanked the General Community of Irrigation Users of the Aragon and Catalonia Canal for its involvement in building this reservoir in Huesca. "With over 100 years of history, the example of solidarity set by irrigation users in Aragon and Catalonia is a great inspiration and, above all, a fine model for us all to follow".