President of the Government receives General Secretary of PSOE

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

At the end of the meeting, which lasted for over two hours, the Government Spokesperson, Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, reported on the issues discussed by Mariano Rajoy and Pedro Sánchez.

The President of the Government and the General Secretary of the PSOE reviewed the latest events in European politics, especially the position adopted by Spain and the other European countries over Brexit. Mariano Rajoy stressed to him the importance of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union concluding within the established timeframe and of the process considering the rights of both Spanish citizens and British citizens.

The two men also discussed other international issues, particularly the situations in Syria, Libya and Venezuela. They hold similar positions in this regard. They also agreed on the fight against terrorism, in line with the approach adopted by the other European Union countries.

The President of the Government and the leader of the PSOE also reviewed issues of national security, where there is a will to maintain the recent understandings.

Mariano Rajoy and Pedro Sánchez agreed to conclude the State Pact against gender-based violence in the Lower House of Parliament in conjunction with the other parliamentary forces as soon as possible, one of the seven State pacts that the President of the Government proposed during the investiture session.

Furthermore, Mariano Rajoy told Pedro Sánchez about the latest government initiatives in the field of wage negotiations being worked on with business leaders and trade unions, and conveyed the Government of Spain's desire to transfer economic growth to wage growth.

The two party leaders agreed to stay in touch regarding the pending institutional renewal of such positions as the Ombudsman and at RTVE [Spanish Television and Radio Corporation].

Catalonia

The situation created in Catalonia by the pro-independence initiatives was also discussed. Íñigo Méndez de Vigo said that "the main priority and point of agreement" between Mariano Rajoy and Pedro Sánchez is "to declare the pro-independence referendum as unacceptable and the systematic violation of the Spanish Constitution and the law as unacceptable".

The Government Spokesperson said that there is absolute agreement regarding the position that "the pro-independence referendum is illegal and will not be held". He went on to say that the Government of Spain welcomes the reaffirmation by Pedro Sánchez of that "essential common ground". In this regard, Mariano Rajoy and Pedro Sánchez agreed to remain in ongoing contact.

Iñigo Méndez de Vigo said that the meeting between the President of the Government and the General Secretary of the PSOE took place within the scope of institutional normality and conveyed the government's willingness to keep talking with the parties about the issues of importance to the public.