The Diplomat
The Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabián Picardo, states in his message on the occasion of Gibraltar National Day, that he hopes to reach an agreement on the status of the Rock after Brexit with the new Government that is formed in Spain respecting its “red lines.
Picardo recognizes that the negotiations for a treaty between the United Kingdom and the European Union on the future relationship between the two is, “without a doubt, one of the greatest challenges that I have had to face as chief minister,” and affirms that he has worked “to all hours”, to achieve that agreement, which has not yet been possible to reach.
The head of the Gibraltarian Government assures that they will “never” sign an agreement that crosses any of their “fundamental red lines”, but affirms: “We are very close to being able to reach an agreement that will allow us to create that desired area of shared prosperity between Gibraltar and the area of the Campo de Gibraltar”. “We are very close to something very special,” he insists.
To do this, “we must make sure we are ready to seal the agreement, once a new Government is formed in Spain,” says Picardo, who added that if he is re-elected as chief minister in the next elections he hopes to be able to talk about a “historic agreement.” ” that it is possible to achieve “in good faith on all sides” in next year’s celebration.
In this edition, which marks 56 years since the 1967 referendum, in which Gibraltarians chose to remain exclusively British, the National Day celebration, which takes place this Sunday, returns to the streets after four years without doing so .
The last one was in 2019, but the covid pandemic – the following two years – and the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in 2023, forced the events to be suspended.
Picardo emphasizes the spirit of self-determination that this National Day remembers and refers to the congratulations received from King Charles III, who “takes into account the continued support of the people of Gibraltar and is pleased to be aware of the numerous events this week to celebrate our National Day,” he emphasizes.
This Sunday, therefore, the usual events of this celebration are recovered, such as the speeches, the parade and the various musical performances. This year, a group of 18 members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords of the United Kingdom have traveled to Gibraltar for National Day, as well as a delegation of leaders from the British Overseas Territories.
Minister Cleverley, in the Rock
The Gibraltar Chronicle reported yesterday that the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, had come to the Rock on a private visit with his family.
According to the newspaper, Mr Cleverly during National Day, although not formally participating in official acts, will make a courtesy call to the Chief Minister, Fabián Picardo.
