Mariano Rajoy argues that local councils should be "proactive" when it comes to providing structure to Spain

Headquarters of the FEMP, Madrid

The President of the Government stressed that both local and provincial councils have "a very considerable job to perform"; they are the public authorities that are closest to citizens and hence they "must represent the future in providing structure to our country, Spain, by adopting a proactive role".

Mariano Rajoy also praised the role played by local councils during the tough economic crisis, their hard work to ensure that "the public accounts in Spain were in slightly better shape than they had been". According to his explanation, local councils "have found a way to offset that which other public authorities" could have done better.

In this regard, the President of the Government added that "This goes to show that Spain belongs to us all, that local councils have a lot to offer, and above all, know how to offer this very well".

Distinction for Rita Barberá

The President of the Government gave a few words of praise for Rita Barberá. He claimed that the posthumous award of the Golden Key for Municipal Contribution to someone who was the Mayor of Valencia for 24 years is "an act of strict justice", because it serves to "honour and justify her memory".

Pool Moncloa / Diego CrespoRegarding Rita Barberá, Mariano Rajoy said that she was "an excellent person" and that being the Mayor of Valencia "was her lifetime mission and she did her job with dedication", resulting in Valencia being the "modern and thriving" city that it is today.

The President of the Government remarked that the tribute paid by the FEMP to Rita Barberá also serves as a "tribute to the men and women" who, at a municipal level, "work tirelessly to improve living conditions for their citizens". Finally, the President of the Government said a few words in memory of those local councillors "who lost their lives to terrorism". "They will always remain in our memories".