Mariano Rajoy defends right to asylum as "inherent to democratic and civilised countries"

Telecinco, Madrid

In terms of the refugee crisis, President of the Government Rajoy expressed his conviction that the European Union will manage to agree on a common position and that the mass deportations announced from Greece to Turkey "will not take place in any shape or form", since "they are contrary to all international conventions".

He also recalled that the right to asylum, "something inherent to democratic and civilized countries", is a legal figure to assist those people fleeing from warfare or who are persecuted.

On another note, Mariano Rajoy strongly criticised the incidents several days ago in Plaza Mayor in Madrid, when some Dutch football fans from the football team PSV Eindhoven jeered at female immigrants begging in the streets. After stressing that "this is one of the most disgraceful and repugnant things I have ever seen in my life", he advocated opening judicial proceedings "against these out and out barbarians".

Formation of a government that generates confidence

In relation to the political panorama in Spain, the President of the Government underlined the need to form a government "soon", and for this to "be a government that generates confidence". He once again advocated forming a substantial coalition because "I am absolutely convinced that this would be the best thing for Spain", he explained.

Mariano Rajoy added that a broad-based government, similar to in Germany, Austria and the EU itself, "could generate confidence from investors and from those people who can generate wealth and employment in our country". "Political uncertainty is never positive for helping bed down economic recovery", he remarked.

Unemployment, main factor of inequality

He also underlined that Spain is still facing a "major challenge" - that of consolidating economic recovery and continuing to create jobs to be able to maintain the Welfare State.

According to Mariano Rajoy, "the main factor of inequality is unemployment". Despite recalling that 1 million jobs were created in Spain in the years 2014 and 2015, he added that "we must persevere because there is still a lot to do; there are many people out of work and this is our challenge for the future".

Open to dialogue

When asked about whether he would be willing to meet with the President of the Regional Government of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, Mariano Rajoy said he was open to dialogue and to holding a meeting "when asked for one". However, he insisted on defending "the unity of Spain", national sovereignty and the equality of all Spanish people, whoever they may be and wherever they may live".

Moreover, he recalled that the Government of Spain is focused on "resolving a good part of the very significant problems that affect many citizens in Catalonia", such as tackling debt maturities and payments to suppliers.

Finally, the President of the Government positively assessed the creation of a standing committee made up of the political groups to fight corruption. He admitted that this is "a problem which undoubtedly concerns many people", and hence "as politicians we are obliged to try to find a solution".