24 April 2013

Rajoy underlines it was the current Spanish Government that reached an understanding with Europe to lower the deficit target

Mariano Rajoy reiterated in the Lower House of Parliament that perseverance is needed in terms of economic policy because positive effects are already emerging that will lead to growth and job creation in 2014.

Mariano Rajoy recalled that Europe was demanding a deficit of 4.5 per cent from Spain for 2013 when he came to power but that negotiations by his government managed to lower that demand to 6.3 per cent. In response to a question from Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba of the Grupo Socialista, he said that "it was this government that reached an understanding with the European Commission, not yours, which never managed to do so".

The President of the Government reiterated that the employment forecasts for 2013 remain negative but that trends indicate an increased containment of job losses. He believes that "what we must do this year is maintain the economic policy we have been implementing over the last few months" because positive signs are already emerging, from among which he cited an improved foreign trade deficit, a balance of payments that is posting a surplus, and growing foreign investment. Furthermore, "the markets are performing better today, we are now obtaining finance at prices similar to those seen in 2010, the risk premium is at a good level".

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