MESSAGES from European leaders have been pouring into Spain following the announcement of its new president, PSOE (socialist) head Pedro Sánchez.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (pictured) says she hopes that following the change in government in Spai, the two countries will 'maintain their close and trusting cooperation' and also the friendship between two of the European Union's largest and most powerful members.
Spokesman for the German government, Steffen Seibert – pictured right next to Frau Merkel - wished outgoing president Mariano Rajoy all the best and thanked him for his 'cooperation' and the 'reforms' he implemented which 'have returned Spain to growth'.
Seibert refused to give any views on the no-confidence vote against Rajoy which has put Sánchez in the hotseat: “We don't comment on in-house democratic processes that take place in our allied countries,” he said.
Mayoress of Paris Anne Hidalgo – who is of Andalucía origin, having been born in San Fernando (Cádiz province) – said Sánchez was 'the leader Spain needs today' and that the country's return to socialism gave her a 'very strong and concrete' positive feeling for its future.
“This is good news, not only for Spain, but also for Europe and for the social democrats – [Pedro Sánchez] is an educated man, rational, reasonable and I believe he is the leader Spain needs.
Mme Hidalgo believes Sánchez is 'very authentic, very sincere' in his 'political commitment', and 'very clear in his objectives and balanced in his economic and social plan' for Spain.
Sánchez is 'a social democrat, ecologist and feminist' like herself, Mme Hidalgo concludes.
Leader of the French socialist party Olivier Fauré tweeted: “Bravo, esteemed Pedro Sánchez Castejón, new president of the Spanish government! All my best wishes for success in this formidable challenge, for Spain, for Europe and for the Left.”
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