Mariano Rajoy insists that "the terrorist group ETA will not gain any political benefit" from disarming

Lower House of Parliament, Madrid

In response to the announcement of the terrorist group ETA's disarmament, Mariano Rajoy agreed with the opinion of the spokesperson of the Socialist Group, Antonio Hernando, that this disarmament must be unconditional.

Rajoy classified it as a "terrorist group", recalling that "there is no negotiation with terrorists". That is why he explained that "the terrorist group ETA will not obtain any political benefit, in the same way that it has not gained any political benefit for stopping its killing."

In the opinion of the President of the Government, "so far, the only ETA disarmament has been that carried out by the Spanish and French security forces." He also noted that "if the terrorist group wants to disarm" it should do so without delay.

He declared that the terrorist group should indicate "where the arms are, without changing their location, content and any type of negotiations."

He also recalled the victims of terrorism, saying that "we will never forget them". He recognised that the immense majority of Spanish people want to see a "definitive closure to a period that has only brought death and a great deal of suffering".

Budget veto

Pool Moncloa/J.M. CuadradoThe President of the Government answered a question from the representative of Unidos Podemos, Pablo Iglesias, on what he called the "budget veto", by recalling the content of Article 134.6 of the Constitution: "Any non-governmental bill or amendment which involves an increase in appropriations or a decrease in budget revenue shall require approval by the Government before its passage."

Mariano Rajoy explained that "it is a power" exercised "for the last 40 years in Spain, with absolute normality" to "ensure certain rigour is maintained in the public accounts."

The Mediterranean corridor

In response to a question from Albert Rivera, leader of the parliamentary group of Ciudadanos, on investment in the Mediterranean Corridor, Mariano Rajoy said that infrastructure "is a political, economic and social priority for the Government of Spain." He explained that the project involves a total investment of 17 billion euros.

Mariano Rajoy also defended what he called the "realistic planning" of the Mediterranean Corridor and other important infrastructures carried out by the Government since 2012. Despite the budgetary difficulties of recent years, this has allowed investment of some 6 billion euros, 1 billion of which has been on the Mediterranean Corridor.

In addition, the President of the Government recalled that in 2013 Spain achieved something really "important" in that the European Union declared the project a "priority corridor in the core trans-European network."

With respect to the State Budget for 2017, Mariano Rajoy noted that the Government's "intention" is "to make an allocation which is at least in line with what we have done in recent years," as is contained in the agreements signed with the party headed up by the Member of Parliament Albert Rivera.

State Budget for 2017

Pool Moncloa/J.M. CuadradoLater, in the corridors of the Lower House, a number of journalists asked the President of the Government about the approval of the State Budget for this year. Mariano Rajoy explained that the Council of Ministers will approve the public accounts on 31 March and they will then begin their parliamentary passage.

The President of the Government noted that although some important questions such as the expenditure ceiling had been resolved, "it is good for Spain that there should be a budget because it involves decisions that affect the lives of the citizens."

He also added that at present, "we are talking, discussing, listening" and "making an effort", so that "if everyone acts responsibly" the State Budget for 2017 "can be passed".