Antena 3, Madrid
With respect to Catalonia, he recalled that on Sunday, 27 September, the pro-independence candidates did not win 50% of the votes, but in fact 36%. In his opinion, it was time to start work and demonstrate that "the project of Spain is a project with a great past, but above all with an enormous future."
In his opinion, in this matter "the greatest responsibility lies with those who have presented themselves at the elections with something that is absolutely illegal, and what is worse, bad for their economic interests." He denied that his position in the Catalan process has been unyielding; he has simply complied with the law.
Catalonia and Spain must look to what unites them
The head of government repeated he was prepared for dialogue because a great deal of education and explanations were needed: "I believe that you have to talk more, I believe that we have to explain ourselves, we have to look at what unites us: there are emotional bonds, personal bonds, commercial bonds." He recalled that Catalonia exports more to Aragon or Murcia than "to all the large European countries." He added that something was being put forward that "is ruinous for the interests of the citizens of Catalonia and also for the rest of the Spanish people."
Jesús G. FeriaAt the same time, President of the Government Rajoy noted that the law governs how we live together, so compliance with it is mandatory: "As President of the Government, you can't ask me to eradicate the foundations of the Spanish constitution, because it doesn't fall upon me."
With respect to the recent summons issued against Artur Mas, the President of the Government explained that it is a decision that "the High Court of Justice of Catalonia has taken in the exercise of its powers." It is therefore "unfair" and "deceitful" to give the impression that "it is a decision that has been taken by the Government." In addition, he added that he will accept any decision that is adopted by the courts, "whether I like it or not, otherwise I wouldn't be a democrat."
The special nature of Catalonia is fully recognised
Rajoy recalled the enormous effort of solidarity that all the Spanish people have shown with the Government of Catalonia in its difficult financial situation: "Catalonia showed a great deal of solidarity with the rest of Spain and at times of difficulty, the rest of Spain has also shown solidarity with Catalonia. And that is how we are bigger, we are better, and we help each other."
According to Rajoy, the PSOE's proposal to transfer the Senate to Catalonia is only a "throwaway remark". With respect to recognising the special nature of Catalonia, the President of the Government has clarified that "it is absolutely recognised" both in the Statute of Autonomy and the Spanish Constitution.
He also added that he is not opposed to a reform of the Constitution, although he has asked those who propose it to explain what they want to change; but "what I am not prepared to eradicate is a key principle such as equality between Spanish people, national sovereignty and the unity of Spain."
Maintaining the reforms
The President of the Government confirmed the date of the general election, which will be 20 December. As he explained, this date allows "the budget to be passed and then the elections prepared, while leaving room after the holiday period to constitute Parliament."
With respect to this election date, the President of the Government said: "I'll put all my efforts into convincing the Spanish people not of what we have done, but that we must be careful about what could happen in the future if we don't maintain the same policies." If the reforms are maintained, "we can create two million jobs" he said.
Rajoy stressed that his government was profoundly reformist. This has led to "wear" because "we have had to do things that were very tough."
Jesús G. FeriaAt the same time, he announced that the recovery is now being felt at grass-roots level. He highlighted that according to data from the Bank of Spain, economic growth in the third quarter of 2015 stood at 3.4%, in other words "the fastest growing country in the European Union."
As well as accepting that these four years "have been very tough," the President of the Government commented that it was very satisfying for him to be able to cut taxes now, return to the public-sector workers their bonus payment that he took away from them, and to see that many people who lost their jobs have now found work: "That is of extraordinary satisfaction to me and I am very happy and very proud of some of the results that are beginning to be seen."
Syria and bank fees
On another front, the President of the Government announced that the next meeting of the Council of Ministers would approve a Royal Decree that prevents banks from charging a double fee to customers who take money out of cashpoint machines: "Charging two fees for taking money out with a card from a bank ends tomorrow."
On the conflict in Syria that has led to a refugee crisis in Europe, Rajoy said that "the enemy is DAESH, jihadist terrorism, what is called the "Islamic State". He added that Al Assad will have to step aside in the future, but at present "we have to count on him because we can't count everyone as an enemy".
