Luis de Guindos quotes:

The battle of the euro is being fought right now in Spain and Italy. The future of the euro is at stake in the next weeks.

I don't know if we're on the edge of the precipice, but we're in a very, very, very difficult situation.

Those who have the most, who earn the most, must give an example, because that is important for Spain's collective effort.

I don't think I've been too optimistic. The government believes the contraction will be around 1.5 per cent, as the central bank said. However, we're waiting to see the Commission estimate.

We rule out raising taxes this year.

In the medium and long term. Spain is solvent and able to pay its high debts. In the short-term, we have the capacity to meet our obligations.

Let nobody be fooled, the next two quarters are not going to be easy either in terms of growth or employment.