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18/12/2009

Marcelino Oreja lecture at Nuestra Casa retirement home

Marcelino Oreja, director and former Chairman of FCC, gave a lecture today at the Collado Villalba (Madrid) retirement home on the Spirit of the Transition, referring to Spain's transition to democracy, in which he played a key role as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Marcelino Oreja lecture at Nuestra Casa retirement home

The lecture is part of the FCC volunteer activities carried out at the retirement home. The home was built by the Esther Koplowitz Foundation, which works very actively for the benefit of the most disadvantaged members of society and is funded solely by contributions from its founder and namesake, who is FCC's largest shareholder.

Marcelino Oreja talked about his political experience and the difficulties that Spain faced during that period of its history, when it transitioned from an authoritarian regime to one based on freedom.

He highlighted the sense of unity that drove Spaniards, under the King's leadership and while respecting the pre-existing legislation, to achieve the necessary legislative changes that led ultimately to the first democratic elections.

He noted that the spirit of the transition was one of confidence, values and principles, which led to the proclamation of a Constitution under which Spain has enjoyed the longest period of liberty in its entire history.

Marcelino Oreja concluded by expressing concern about the current situation, particularly unemployment and the great moral crisis that prevails; he is convinced that it is necessary to recover the spirit of the transition in order to overcome this situation.