Jose Maria Aznar Quotes

Powerful Jose Maria Aznar for Daily Growth

About Jose Maria Aznar

**José María Aznar** (born March 25, 1953) is a renowned Spanish conservative politician, economist, and writer, best known as the Prime Minister of Spain from 1996 to 2004, during which time he navigated Spain through significant economic growth and the global anti-terrorism campaign post-September 11. Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Aznar studied Economics at the University of Deusto in Bilbao and later graduated from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. His political journey began early when he joined the People's Alliance (AP) in 1978, rising through the ranks to become its Secretary-General in 1989. Aznar's political beliefs are rooted in liberal conservatism and neoliberal economics. He played a crucial role in modernizing Spain's economy during his tenure as Prime Minister, implementing economic reforms that led to significant economic growth and lower unemployment rates. His time in office was marked by several key events, including the 1998 Madrid bombings attributed to ETA, the Basque separatist group, and Spain's participation in the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq during his second term. His stance on terrorism and foreign policy, particularly regarding the Middle East, were widely debated domestically and internationally. Post-Prime Ministership, Aznar has been a prominent figure in European politics, serving as President of the Foundation for European Progressive Diplomacy and Chairman of the Friends of Europe think tank. He continues to write and speak on political matters, offering insights on global issues from an informed conservative perspective. In literature, Aznar is known for his memoir "Los Misterios de Barcelona" (The Mysteries of Barcelona), a collection of essays exploring the city's history and culture. His latest book, "La Nueva Guerra Global" (The New Global War) published in 2017, discusses global terrorism and geopolitics.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Terrorism is a threat to all societies, not just our own."

This quote by Jose Maria Aznar underscores the universality of terrorism as a global threat. It suggests that no society, regardless of its location or cultural background, is immune to the destructive forces of terrorism. Terrorism is not only a problem for specific nations; it poses a danger to all societies worldwide due to its capacity to disrupt peace, challenge democratic institutions, and inflict harm on innocent civilians. Thus, it's essential for nations to collaborate and share intelligence in order to combat this common enemy effectively.


"A democratic government that does not fight terrorism, sooner or later will fall victim to it."

This quote emphasizes the critical role democracy plays in countering terrorism, but also underscores the potential vulnerability of democratic governments if they fail to address terrorism effectively. A democratic government, by nature, values peace, freedom, and the rule of law. However, when it neglects its responsibility to protect its citizens from terrorism, it can become a target, eventually succumbing to the very threat it ignored. This quote serves as a warning for democracies to remain vigilant against terrorism in order to preserve their democratic values and institutions.


"The battle against terrorism is not a question of who has more violence; it's about who has more justice."

This quote by Jose Maria Aznar highlights that the fight against terrorism transcends mere physical force or violence. Instead, it underscores the importance of values, such as justice. The implication is that while those engaged in terrorism may employ extreme violence, the ultimate goal should not be to match their brutality but rather to uphold justice and moral principles. This perspective suggests a strategic approach that goes beyond reactive measures and aims to address the root causes of terrorism through means such as legal processes, diplomacy, and social development, ultimately promoting a more just society.


"The struggle against terrorism requires, above all, unity in the international community."

This quote by Jose Maria Aznar emphasizes that effective action against terrorism relies primarily on unity among nations in the global community. The implication is that shared goals, cooperation, and a unified front are crucial for successfully combating the destructive forces of terrorism. Divisions or lack of collaboration among nations can provide opportunities for terrorist organizations to exploit weaknesses and gain influence. Hence, international solidarity is essential to thwart terrorism and promote global peace and security.


"In the face of terrorism, silence is complicity."

This quote by Jose Maria Aznar suggests that remaining silent in the face of terrorism implies tacit approval or complicity with its actions and objectives. The message encourages active and vocal opposition to terrorism, as staying silent allows it to persist unchallenged. It is a call for governments, societies, and individuals to take a firm stand against terrorism, acknowledging the harm it inflicts on humanity and speaking out in support of peace and justice.


In crises, the old is dying and the new has not been born. Hence, the revolts we are witnessing in Egypt and Tunisia, which may yet extend to other countries in the region, are full of uncertainties.

- Jose Maria Aznar

New, Crises, Which, Extend

But, you know, once you're in government, very often you need to shoulder responsibility. I hope the new Spanish government will think about this and will therefore act accordingly. I really and sincerely hope so.

- Jose Maria Aznar

New, Very, Spanish, Shoulder

March 11, 2004, now occupies a place in the history of infamy.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Place, Now, The History Of, Infamy

Disarming Iraq is legal under a series of U.N. resolutions. Iraq is in flagrant violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Security, Council, Series, Disarming

We insist that the international community cannot depend on any country with weapons of mass destruction which has relations with terrorists, and which allows itself the luxury of not respecting the law and of defying the international community.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Law, Country, Which, Relations

It is our grave mistake that for many years we neglected pro-Western groups in order to avoid any friction with the existing rulers.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Mistake, Grave, Groups, Friction

The alliance should agree... to an effective NATO role against the new threats presented by international terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.

- Jose Maria Aznar

New, Alliance, Role, Weapons

Young people in particular need real options to find a decent job and to lift their lives. I'm not sure the new Islamist governments will be the best to promote prosperity and growth.

- Jose Maria Aznar

New, Sure, Lives, Lift

My conviction is that the best strategy to defend the West is to defend Israel.

- Jose Maria Aznar

West, Defend, Israel, Strategy

I'm not going to give President Bush any advice. He knows. He knows what I think.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Think, Give, I Think, President Bush

We saw there was no consensus in the U.N. Security Council. It was impossible, due to the threatened veto by some.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Security, Some, Consensus, Threatened

Appeasement was never a very clever policy, and it should not be our option today.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Never, Very, Appeasement, Option

I want to highlight once again that when we talk about the fight against terrorism and the circles around it and when we talk about ensuring the safety and the peace of all, we are not talking about fantasies.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Want, Not Talking, Against, Ensuring

Every day, every week without taking decisions is a problem for us, is a very wrong message for the markets and increases the lack of credibility of our economies.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Week, Every Day, Very, Increases

There are countries that prefer to think that they're buying comfort at the cost of others, but I don't think that's the way you can act in this world. There are no neutral groups.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Think, Cost, Prefer, Neutral

There are the countries of the north of Europe taking decisions and the countries of the south of Europe that are living under intervention. This division exists.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Living, South, North, Exists

We in the West should stand by our core principles.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Principles, West, Should, Core

Without economic development, any potential for political openness and freedom will be questionable.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Economic Development, Questionable

Because the task of a political leader is to do what he believes is better for his country. Sometimes the public opinion is in favor; sometimes the public opinion needs a little bit more time to understand things.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Leader, Country, Needs, Public Opinion

There is no possible negotiation with these killers. Our aim is to win over terrorism. Only by being firm we can stop terrorism. We must be firm fighting the terrorists and opposing the final aims they want to achieve.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Over, Opposing, Aims, Negotiation

The only message that terrorists need to get is that they're going to be beaten.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Need, Going, Get, Terrorists

I am a quiet man who grows through adversity.

- Jose Maria Aznar

Adversity, Through, Grows, Quiet

The harm done to Israel is damage done to the West. And delegitimizing Israel is a delegitimization of the West.

- Jose Maria Aznar

West, Israel, Harm, Damage

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