(24 Aug 2012) Spain's deputy prime minster, Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, denied on Friday reports that her government was already negotiating new bailout terms and conditions with Brussels.
Spain has for months been trying to avoid following Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Cyprus in having to ask for a rescue of its government finances.
An EU Commission spokesman did admit talks were going on with Spain on a number of issues and levels.
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has said recently he will consider approaching the eurozone's bailout fund for such government assistance provided the European Central Bank outlines its plans to help bring down the country's sky-high borrowing costs.
"We should first know what is the situation, and what will the process be before we make any decisions, at least that is the way this government works," Santamaria said.
Some experts say it is only a matter of time before Spain accepts government rescue loans and that it would help, not hurt, investor confidence in the country.
Investors have taken flight from Spain as the uncertainty over the whether the country can afford to save its banking sector and indebted regional governments continues unabated.
Meanwhile, some of Spain's near 6 million (m) unemployed got some good news.
Employment minister Fatima Banez said the government was extending a policy under which long-term unemployed people receive monthly payments of 400 euros (501 US dollars).
"We are going to prioritise the most vulnerable ones, that's why the programme is focused on those unemployed people who have family burdens, and those who have been unemployed for the longest time," Banez said.
It boosted the stipend to 450 euros (564 US dollars) for those who have at least three dependents but axed it from those living in households with incomes of up 8,000 euros (10,000 US dollars).
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