Pedro Sánchez meets with Zohran Mamdani and argues that social justice and economic growth must go hand in hand

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has met with the Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, at the official residence of Gracie Mansion. Both subsequently took part in the event 'Building an economy for the many', a working breakfast focusing on an economic model designed to benefit the vast majority of the population.

The meeting was also attended by prominent figures such as the president of the European Council, António Costa, and the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. During his speech, President Sánchez emphasised that "social justice is not the enemy of economic growth" and cited some of the achievements of his eight years in government as examples. "We have raised the minimum wage by 66 per cent. We were told it would destroy jobs. That's not true: we now have more people in work than ever before", he stressed, also pointing out that workers' rights have been strengthened and that, far from slowing down recruitment, one in every two new jobs in Europe is being created in Spain.

In this regard, Pedro Sánchez has argued that "the cost of living is not a secondary issue. It is the central economic issue of our time", even though challenges such as geopolitical tensions and trade disputes are constantly putting it to the test. He emphasised that, during crises such as the pandemic or the one resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Spain has introduced measures to support families without these measures placing a strain on the economy.

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, converse at the Mayor's official residence | Pool Moncloa / Borja Puig de la Bellacasa

"Spain is one of the world's fastest-growing advanced economies. Unemployment is at its lowest level in almost two decades. And inequality is now at its lowest level since records began in 2008", the president said.

Pedro Sánchez also stated that "immigration has made Spain stronger" in economic, cultural and social terms. "Migrants work in our companies, contribute to our public finances, underpin our welfare state and enrich our communities. Migration makes us a better country. Without a doubt", he said.

Finally, he emphasised that "Spain is proving that another economic model is possible" and added that "that is why the powerful fear us: because, day after day, we are showing that a different way is possible. And it works. In this vein, he concluded by emphasising the need to build a future by and for the majority that ensures economic growth benefits society as a whole.

Non official translation