The priority for the G-20 is "to achieve strong, balanced, sustained and inclusive growth", states Mariano Rajoy

G-20 Summit, Hangzhou (People's Republic of China)

At his appearance before the media following the summit, Mariano Rajoy classified as "very positive" the result of the meeting of heads of state and government of the G-20 countries: "It is clear that Spain is continuing to grow and that economic policies are in line with what everyone considers necessary. What's more, a number of priority issues for our country have been included."

The acting Head of Government noted that the G-20 leaders have made clear that global economic growth is weak and may be affected by low growth in trade and investment, fluctuation in the financial markets and the volatility of commodity prices. In addition, there are geopolitical risks such as terrorism and Brexit.

Mariano Rajoy explained that the priority is to reach "stable, balanced, sustained and inclusive growth," which requires a global and coordinated response on the part of economic policies and structural reforms, so that the benefits can extend to all the citizens, in particular through jobs.

In the opinion of the President of the Government, this vision reflects the measures adopted by his Government since 2012. As a result of these, last year Spain was the country with the strongest economic growth among large countries in the European Union, and since 2014 it has created half a million jobs per year.

Innovation and employment

Mariano Rajoy explained that the summit has placed particular emphasis on innovation and the digital economy as drivers of long-term growth. He insisted that "Spain today has the best digital networks in the whole of Europe thanks to the positive framework for investment created by the Government." He also highlighted Spain's leadership in implementing e-government.

The G-20 leaders also insisted that the benefits of growth must extend to everyone. This is the area in which Mariano Rajoy has set his Government's initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, education and quality training. Specifically, he pointed out that since 2012, half a million young people under the age of 30 have already found jobs through a training and apprenticeship contract, and also noted the boost given to Vocational Training and Dual Vocational Training.

The statement issued by the Summit also includes the need to act in coordinated, global and effective fashion with respect to fiscal matters and in the fight against fraud and tax evasion. Mariano Rajoy explained that Spain is one of the pioneering countries in terms of implementing the initiatives approved last year against tax evasion and heads up multilateral initiatives for automatic information exchange.

Among the most important issues in the Summit for Spain, the acting President of the Government cited the calls to boost trade, make progress in ratifying the Paris Agreement on climate change, extend energy interconnections, combat terrorist financing, strengthen development cooperation and work in a concerted fashion on the refugee crisis.

Bilateral meetings

Pool Moncloa/Diego CrespoOn the second day of the Summit, the acting President of the Government met the President of China, Xi Jinping, with whom he dealt with issues related to trade relations, investment and tourism.

During the G-20 summit he also held bilateral talks with Michel Termer, President of Brazil, and with Mauricio Macri, President of Argentina. At his appearance before the media, Mariano Rajoy explained that Spain is the third biggest investor in Brazil, and the second biggest in Argentina.

Mariano Rajoy passed on the King of Spain's invitation for a state visit to Spain to the President of Brazil. At the meeting, there was talk about the economic situation in the two countries, relations between Mercosur and the European Union, support for the peace process in Colombia, the situation in Venezuela, and in Latin America in General.

Mariano Rajoy expressed his satisfaction to President Macri for the decisions that the Government of Argentina is adopting on the economic front. The decisions have made it possible for the country to return to the markets and increase the level of trust with which it is seen around the world. Mercosur, Venezuela, and the situation of Spanish companies in the country were also dealt with during the meeting.

Mariano Rajoy: my intension is to keep trying

Pool Moncloa/Diego CrespoIn response to the journalists interested in knowing what his strategy will be following his failed investiture attempt, Mariano Rajoy said that his intention is to "keep trying" to form a government and avoid the need to hold a third round of elections.

In addition, he expressed his desire to maintain the agreement with Ciudadanos signed a week ago, which has resulted in 170 Members of Parliament "taking a step forward" to form a government.

Mariano Rajoy explained that he has maintained the same position since 21 December last year. The position is simply to reach an agreement between the two main parties (PP and PSOE) plus Ciudadanos, because this is a matter of "reason and common sense" and would generate "confidence and calm". If it were not possible, Mariano Rajoy said, what we ask those with whom we share "the Constitution, the acquis communautaire and so many other matters" is that they allow us to exercise government.

With respect to the candidature of the former minister José Manuel Soria for a senior position in the World Bank, Mariano Rajoy explained that he "has left politics" and made public his desire not to return. He applied for the position as a civil servant, and took part in the selection process as such.