They met with a group of Spanish MPs to discuss the political situation and global challenges
Since the participants in the first edition of the Australian Leaders Programme were three prominent MPs and a journalist specialising in economic and political affairs, the agenda had to include a visit to the Spanish Parliament, complemented by an informal lunch at Paradis with several Spanish MPs.
During the visit, the Leaders had a chance to meet with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, which was attended by the Chair of the Committee, Josep Antoni Duran i Lleida (Grupo Catalán), his Deputy Chair, José Ignacio Landaluce (Grupo Popular), the Committee’s spokespersons, Aranzazu Miguélez (Grupo Popular) and Aitor Esteban (Grupo Vasco), and Gema Conde (Grupo Popular).
The MPs discussed areas of common interest for the two countries in the area of Foreign Affairs, with the main challenges faced by Australia as the main topic. Among the issues discussed were Spanish leadership in engineering and innovation and the recent approval of the Work and Holidays Visa programme. Lastly, the Leaders asked the MPs about their views on emerging parties and their potential impact on the political arena.
