Merkel praises “the close cooperation” between the Spanish Government and the Autonomous Communities

Madrid (ACN).- The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, said she is “impressed with” Spain’s reforms. After meeting with the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy this Thursday in Madrid, Merkel said she is “convinced” that the reforms implemented in the South-European country are headed “in the right direction” and they need to be given “time to show their results”. Furthermore, she praised “the close cooperation” between the Spanish Government and the Autonomous Communities, “which are part of Spain as the Länder are part of Germany”, she said. Merkel emphasised that the reforms need to continue “at all government levels”. However, she rejected the idea she is imposing new reforms and budget cuts on Spain, although she asked the Spanish authorities to continue with the efforts already made. “I know these are not easy times for you. You are showing a great deal of responsibility [by developing such reforms]”, but “we believe you are doing what is needed to be done to overcome the current situation”, she said. Merkel reminded that Germany started its structural reforms 10 years ago, with 5 million people being unemployed and now there are only 2 million jobseekers. She also reaffirmed her commitment to the European Union as a project guaranteeing peace and prosperity, and to the Euro as “our common currency”.

After meeting with Mariano Rajoy for an hour and a half at La Moncloa Palace in Madrid, the day the European Central Bank announced it was buying sovereign bonds, Angela Merkel addressed the press. The German Chancellor sent clear and unequivocal signs that she supports the reforms developed in Spain to control the public deficit, reform the labour market and increase competitiveness. Merkel not only gave consideration to the subject at a Spanish level but she also took into account the reforms made at the Autonomous Community level and she stated that reforms need to continue being developed “at all government levels”.. “Prime Minister Rajoy informed me about the cooperation of the Autonomous Communities [in carrying out the structural reforms], and I believe it is a close cooperation”, the Chancellor stated. Merkel added that “this is very important information”, as “often, when we travel back to Germany, we are asked about this”, she added. Merkel insisted that the reforms being developed at a Spanish and Autonomous Community level “will enable the restoration of trust” by the international markets.