A spirit of cooperation comes out of meeting between Zapatero and Rajoy in Spain

A spirit of cooperation comes out of meeting between Zapatero and Rajoy in Spain
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By h.b. - Oct 15, 2008 - 7:23 AM

Spanish Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero (left) with the leader of the Partido Popular, Mariano Rajoy, on the steps of the Moncloa Palace yesterday - Photo EFE

The opposition are expected to support the Government in a vote on Monday on the emergency measures being taken to support the banks.

Spanish Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, invited the leader of the Partido Popular opposition, Mariano Rajoy, to the Moncloa Palace last night to discuss the measures being taken by the Government in the face of the economic crisis.

It seems that both leaders consider that these are times for cooperation and they agreed that a new meeting of the so-called Toledo Pact is needed. This will study changes to be introduced in the Social Security system.

A bilateral committee will be established to look at the structural reform of the Spanish economy, and the Prime Minister promised total transparency in how any public money in used in Spain in the fight against the economic crisis. The meeting between the two men lasted for an hour and a half.

It’s now understood that Rajoy will support the Government on Monday in its plans to help Spanish banks, but he will also demand for certain changes to be made to the legislation. One of the main points still to be decided is who will manage any public money used, with the opposition asking for a new body to be set up for the job.

They also want to see a limit placed on public debt, and want to ensure that help reaches directly to families and small businesses.

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