"We are all in favour of growth and job creation in Europe", says Rajoy

 

The President of the Government and the President of the French Republic analysed, in Paris, how to increase economic growth in Europe in order to help generate well-being and wealth. ​Mariano Rajoy and François Hollande met within the framework of the 24th France-Spain Summit, where among other issues, they tackled the energy interconnections between the two countries, the economic situation in Europe and collaboration in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.

At the joint press conference offered by the two leaders, Mariano Rajoy highlighted that Spain will support the plan announced by the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, and that at the upcoming European Council, he will ask for the investments contained in the plan to be made available quickly.

 

The two leaders also tackled public deficit policies. "We have spoken about the European Central Bank and the latest statements made by Mario Draghi on the need to defend the inflationary targets and increase growth in the Eurozone", stated Mariano Rajoy.

Furthermore, Mariano Rajoy and François Hollande reaffirmed the commitments made at the latest European Council meeting on electricity and gas interconnections. "We have agreed to request financing both under the Juncker plan and through the current Budget in force for the years 2014-2020".

 

The President of the Government trusts that the recorded unemployment and National Insurance contributor figures, which will be published on Tuesday by the Ministry of Employment and Social Security, continue to show signs of improvement "in November, December and, with greater force if indeed possible, over the course of 2015".

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When asked by journalists about austerity policies in the European Union, Mariano Rajoy recalled that when he came to power, the public deficit in Spain stood at 9.2% while the target set by the European Commission stood at 4.4%. "Within a year and in the midst of a recession it was impossible to reduce it to 4.4%. We spoke with the Commission, presented our programme, which the Commission fully understood, it acted flexibly and this year Spain has to reach, and will reach, a target of 5.5%".

 

Hence, he argued, "in Europe we are all in favour of economic growth, job creation, certain levels of well-being and wealth, fiscal consolidation , albeit within certain timelines and at a reasonable rhythm, structural reforms defending the targets set for inflation and growth that should be seen in the European Union". Mariano Rajoy added that Europe is built on the basis of "agreements between us all and of using the experiences of one to help others".

 

source: http://www.lamoncloa.gob.es