Mariano Rajoy holds meeting with social stakeholders

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

At the end of the meeting, representatives of both the trade unions and employer associations appeared before the media. The last to take part was Minister Báñez, who stressed that the meeting at Moncloa Palace served to boost social dialogue in Spain, as the President of the Government had committed to during the investiture session.

Fátima Báñez described the meeting as "cordial, constructive and positive" and explained that it was useful in starting down the "path of dialogue in order to reach a consensus" She added that the main goals remain bedding down the economic recovery, "with growth and job creation", and improving key public services, "so as not to leave anyone in Spain behind".

Pool Moncloa / Diego CrespoDuring the meeting, the government and the social stakeholders also tackle increased protection for the unemployed, with particular emphasis on the long-term unemployed and young people, the revision of the Inter-professional Minimum Wage (Spanish acronym: SMI) and boosting the quality of jobs.

According to the Minister for Employment and Social Security, the social stakeholders also undertook to appear before the Toledo Pact Commission to help strengthen the current public pension model.