Pedro Sánchez attends the opening session of the General Courts of the XV Legislature

Lower House of Parliament, Madrid

The deputies and senators met in joint session in the Lower House on the occasion of the solemn opening of the Cortes, after the Chief Executive was sworn in and the Government formed.

The President of the Lower House, Francina Armengol, opened the session by saying that Parliament is "the backbone of democracy" and "an indispensable element for the freedom of our societies". In her speech, Armengol called for parliamentarism to be exercised "loyally and honestly" and "to avoid, at all times, its degradation and, it goes without saying, its disappearance". "Debate, dialogue, active listening and respect: these are our tools, and this is the right place to use them," she said.

The King, accompanied in the presidential tribune by Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor, reminded the audience that on 31 October the Princess of Asturias took the oath provided for in the Constitution as heir to the Crown, and that in this year's elections thousands of young people of the same age voted for the first time. "Our collective life must be enriched by their aspirations, needs and concerns," said Felipe VI. The King also stressed that Parliament generates the integration of different options and projects within the Constitution, "the soul of our democracy and freedom, with an inclusive spirit of ideals and convictions and a common purpose such as we have never had before". The Spanish people have placed their trust in parliamentarians to promote "the improvement of the living conditions of the people and groups in which they live", he said before declaring the 15th legislature open.

The Royal Family then greeted the authorities and guests in the Conference Hall. The event concluded with a military parade in honour of the King and Queen by the Armed Forces and Civil Guard.

The opening session was attended by all the members of the Government, except the First Vice-President and Minister for Economy, Trade and Enterprise, Nadia Calviño, who has begun a three-day working trip to New York.

Non official translation