video transcript

(ROUGH CUT ONLY - NO REPORTER NARRATION) Angela Merkel told Spain's prime minister on Monday she had full confidence in his government's ability to push through reforms, brushing aside a growing corruption scandal in Spain which has prompted calls for Mariano Rajoy's resignation. (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL SAYING: "I again made it clear that I respect and admire what Spain has achieved in terms of reforms. Germany is very aware that many people in Spain are unemployed, and we are certain that the reforms will bring results." (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) SPANISH PRIME MINISTER MARIANO RAJOY SAYING: "The things I am accused of are not true. I said it before and I'd like to repeat that today. As I said last Saturday, I have the same joy, enthusiasm, strength, courage and determination that I had when I first became prime minister - to overcome one of the most difficult situations for Spain the last 30 years." (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL SAYING: "We have a very close relationship based on trust. I am under the impression that the Spanish government, including the prime minister, will work on reducing unemployment and making the structural reforms work. The prime minister has again told us about the successes and about balanced trade records. I am convinced that the Spanish government with Mariano Rajoy as prime minister will rectify this issue. And Germany will support him."