If you do what you need to do to get Spain out of this economic crisis, do you believe these measures will create civil unrest?
I have to do what everyone expects us to do. I think that the vast part of the Spanish society is very conscious that things are not going well, and we all have to make efforts. That’s the reason I am not pessimistic about the reaction of the Spanish people.
So Spain will not be the next Greece?
Not at all.
What are the key differences between
you and your opponent, Mr. Rubalcaba?
The first is that my party, the Popular party, has always managed our economy well, and that is not the case for the Socialist party. Last time we came into power, it was 1996. The unemployment rate at that time was 22 percent. When we left office in 2004, unemployment was under 10 percent, and now it’s back to 21 percent. That is the best summary. The second [difference] is that right now, the Socialist party does not have an economic team to help Spain exit this crisis. Thirdly, our party knows the kind of foreign policy we want to carry out. We are in favor of the euro, and we want more integration with Europe — more political and economic coordination.
What is your view of the recent ETA deal in which they renounced violence? They didn’t apologize to the victims or put down their weapons.
I think this announcement is good news. We can only be really peaceful when there is an effective dissolution of this terrorist band. We must be prudent, and we must remain united and enforce the law. These terrorists are still outlaws.
You have held several significant government positions. What do you think makes you the most qualified person to be prime minister of Spain?
In the government, I have held four different ministries and also been deputy prime minister. I have won two internal elections inside my party.
So your experience qualifies you to become prime minister? You are ready?
Nobody in Spain has my political career. And if I didn’t believe in myself, I couldn’t run for election.
If you don’t win a large majority, will you have to go to smaller parties to form a coalition government? Which party would be the best coalition partner?
I have the experience to govern with a coalition government. In 1996, we needed 20 more seats to reach an absolute majority. We were able to build a coalition with three other political parties, and it worked well.
But now you hope for a big enough majority so you won’t need a coalition partner?
What I really believe is that Spain needs a strong government.
Will you have a problem with the right wing of your party because they perceive you as too moderate?
We have more than 10 million voters. My duty is to act [on behalf of] the majority of the people, and I believe the majority of Spaniards are in favor of moderation and common sense.
When did you opt for a moderate policy?
I believe I have been a moderate politician my whole life. What I did recently was to make an effort to show myself as I am — as a moderate politician.
In economics or in all areas?
In all areas. Moderation is also an attitude and a way of behaving. Now ideological differences are less important.
Because what matters is getting Spain out of this crisis?
Clearly that is the great national target.
How long do you anticipate that will take you?
It is difficult, but it is very important to create enough confidence in the first months in office. That is my target.
Similar to President Franklin Roosevelt’s first 100 days?
That means to tackle the issues I discussed at the beginning of this interview. The worst thing a government can do now in Spain is to do nothing.
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