Galery

1

In a clear message of support to the Greek government shortly before the elections on 25 January, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy stressed the need for the policy currently applied in Greece to continue.

In statements after his meeting with his Greek counterpart Antonis Samaras in the government residence Maximou, Rajoy said, "Now that we are emerging from the crisis we need stability, not turmoil, certainty rather than uncertainty." At the same time, he added that both Greece and Spain "need Europe and it should be next to them."

Mariano Rajoy defined the reforms implemented in both countries as "hard and difficult", but absolutely necessary on the way to returning to prosperity. "If we continue to implement the ongoing reforms we will be able to develop our economies," he said.

In connection with the recovery programme of the Greek economy, the Spanish Prime Minister said that all should respect the decisions adopted.

For his part, Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said that, from now on, the biggest issue for his country is the reforms that enhance competition. "We, like the government of Mariano Rajoy, did what the difficult conditions required. We started reforms to ensure the country's future."

Antonis Samaras recalled that in the last quarter of 2014 Greece and Spain had the highest economic growth among the member states of the euro area. He added that, in parallel with this, a gradual reduction of unemployment compared to previous months was reported as well. "It continues to be high but it is decreasing, thus arousing real hope."

In connection with the decisive electoral battle with the radical left SYRIZA the Greek Prime Minister said, "Creating preconditions for shocks without reason and opposing the whole of Europe is the worst thing one can do at this point."