英闻天下——225 Spain's PM Denied Receiving Secret Payments(在线收听) |
Spain's prime minister has denied media claims that he and members of his governing Popular Party accepted or made any secret payments. Speaking at a special executive committee meeting, Mariano Rajoy says "it's false" that he received or distributed undeclared money.
"I do not need more than two words: it's false. I have never received or handed out 'black money', never in this party or in any other place. Never. I will say it one more time: it's false. I will provide complete transparency to all the issues that affect me personally, of course, and also to the party and the board."
Rajoy says he will make public his personal accounts next week.
Earlier, local newspaper published details of secret papers belonging to former party treasurer Luis Barcenas allegedly documenting undeclared payments.
It says as of 1997, Rajoy received some 25-thousand euros in "envelopes" each year.
The money was allegedly paid by businesses, many linked to the once booming construction industry, before the sector imploded in 2008.
Opposition parties are calling for Rajoy's resignation and the holding of national elections.
Meanwhile, demonstrations also broke out in Madrid and Barcelona calling on the party to explain its finances.
The allegations came as Spain rolls out austerity measures to avoid an international bailout and battle 26 percent unemployment. |
原文地址:http://www.tingroom.com/lesson/ywtx/204483.html |