The Spanish economy will probably grow by between 2.5 percent and 3 percent this year, according to a statement made by Economy Minister Luis de Guindos on Monday.
De Guindos said that the country's economy could grow by "between 2.5 percent and 3 percent", although the figure would be confirmed by the end of April, when the Spanish government will announce the economic forecasts that will be sent to the European Union (EU).
The Bank of Spain said on Thursday the Spanish economy would grow by 2.8 percent this year, revising up its previous forecast of 2 percent GDP growth. De Guindos pointed out that the Ministry's forecasts were very similar to those of the Bank of Spain.
He also pointed out that in the first quarter of the year, which has not finished yet, Spain's economy would have probably grown by 0.8 percent.
De Guindos said employment data will be "good" and "positive" taking into account that the first quarter of the year has been always a "bad" period for unemployment data.
The Bank of Spain said employment would increase by 2.7 percent this year, and according to the Spanish government the number of people registered as unemployed in Spain stood at 4.5 million people in February.