29/09/2009

Aznar Calls For 'Escape' From Recession

UK businesses can find a way out of the current financial crisis.

José Maria Aznar, former Spanish Prime Minister, presented his own solution to the ongoing financial crisis yesterday in London, writes Carla Liebana.

Mr Aznar made his speech in front of an audience of businessmen and policy-makers, at the National Liberal Club in Westminster, when the former leader of Spain's Popular Party (Partido Popular) explained his plans to 'escape' from the worst global economic crisis since 1930.

He said that policy makers and the international financial community must act collectively to safeguard the future of the global economy.

He also highlighted the "irresponsible behaviour" of the international banking community and insufficient regulation by national governments.

According to Mr Anzar, Spain can play a central role in this financial recovery process.

In his last book 'Spain can escape the crisis' he said that the crisis hit Spain hard due to a combination of political, social and moral factors.

In fact, he considers that the crisis in Spain is not so much economic, but political.

"Now is the time for leaders to make decisions. It is no time for short-sighted politicians who cannot see beyond the end of their nose."

He also called for leaders to "Liberalise the economy, privatise businesses and initiate working reforms."

Aznar was Prime Minister of Spain for eight years until 2004. During his premiership Spain introduced the Euro and by 2001 had overtaken Italy as Europe's fourth largest economy.

Currently, he is President of think-tank Foundation for Analysis and Social Studies (FAES), an organization linked with the Popular Party.

He also teaches contemporary European politics and trans-Atlantic relationships at Georgetown University, in Washington.

The event was organized by a branch of the Spanish Popular Party in the UK and chaired, among others, by Lord Garel-Jones - a former Conservative Minister and a Director of Iberia.

The City foreign exchange firm, Currencies Direct sponsored the event.

(CL/BMcC)

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