1 Aug 2013
Spanish PM: Corruption allegations are 'lies and manipulations'
Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy appeared before the parliament in Madrid today to testify on the corruption scandal, which had been undermining confidence in his government in recent weeks. The Spanish PM categorically denied claims that the People's Party was illegally financed and lamented that the image of Spain had been stained due to the scandal.
Rajoy repeated that he would not step down over the allegations. "Nothing related to this affair has stopped me or will stop me from governing," he said.
The Spanish PM admitted that he made a mistake maintaining a close relationship with the former People Party's treasurer Luis Bárcenas, who has already been jailed on charges of bribery and tax evasion, among others.
"I was mistaken in trusting the wrong person," Rajoy explained. "I didn't cover up a guilty person. He tricked me, but it was easy because I don't jump at condemning anyone."
Furthermore, Rajoy emphasized that the situation in Spain was improving and pointed to a decrease in unemployment in the second quarter of the year.
Rajoy repeated that he would not step down over the allegations. "Nothing related to this affair has stopped me or will stop me from governing," he said.
The Spanish PM admitted that he made a mistake maintaining a close relationship with the former People Party's treasurer Luis Bárcenas, who has already been jailed on charges of bribery and tax evasion, among others.
"I was mistaken in trusting the wrong person," Rajoy explained. "I didn't cover up a guilty person. He tricked me, but it was easy because I don't jump at condemning anyone."
Furthermore, Rajoy emphasized that the situation in Spain was improving and pointed to a decrease in unemployment in the second quarter of the year.