Spanish PM: Greece should stay in eurozone

MADRID - Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Saturday that Greece should stay in the eurozone.

"Europe should support Greece and Greece should fulfil its commitments," he said at a meeting of the Spanish People's Party.

Greece is to hold a fresh parliamentary election on Sunday, and its results are widely expected to determine Greece's future in the euro bloc.

Rajoy also called for "more fiscal, political and banking integration" in Europe, saying he expects the EU to send a clear message that "the euro is an irreversible project."

This is very important as uncertainties regarding the currency have been causing distrust among investors, he said.

Meanwhile, local media reported that Rajoy also said the Spanish government would not increase the value-added tax and the salaries of government employees will remain equal at least for the moment.

The International Monetary Fund appreciated Spain's reforms, but urged Spain to design policies to consolidate its fiscal condition, restructure its financial system and boost economic growth.