Controversy Over Absentees Marks National Day Parade in Madrid
The National Day Parade in Madrid this past Saturday was notable not only for its impressive display but also for the conspicuous absences from the government ranks. Minister of Youth and Childhood, Sira Rego, opted not to attend the event, which was held in honor of Spain's National Day. Her absence was justified as a collective decision made with her party, Izquierda Unida, according to her team.
This decision sparked discussions, as Rego was among several other prominent government figures who chose to skip the annual celebration. Other notable absences included Minister of Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera, and the first vice president and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, who was unable to attend due to an injury. However, Rego stood out as the only official who cited political reasons for her absence, drawing attention to the ongoing tensions within the government coalition.
In a stark contrast to her choices this year, the former Minister of Consumption and Izquierda Unida coordinator, Alberto Garzón, had attended last year’s parade, reflecting the shifting dynamics within the party. This year’s parade also marked a significant return, as Salvador Illa, president of the Generalitat of Catalonia, attended for the first time in 14 years, officially representing Catalonia at the national event.
The parade itself was a grand show of military prowess, showcasing the participation of 4,092 Armed Forces personnel, accompanied by 266 motorized vehicles and 210 horses, all parading along the Paseo del Prado and Plaza de Colón. However, the event was marred by heavy rain that swept through Madrid, forcing the Ministry of Defense to cancel the traditional aerial parade. This abrupt weather change prevented the Eagle Patrol from performing its usual display of painting the national flag in the sky and the Air and Space Army’s Acrobatics Parachuting Patrol (PAPEA) from conducting their parachute displays.
Overall, the combination of weather issues and political boycotts has left a remarkable imprint on this year's National Day celebrations, leading to discussions about solidarity among government members and the evolving public image of the military parade in contemporary Spain.
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