Madrid City Council Session Erupts into Feminist Politics Amid Controversy
The Madrid City Council's plenary session on Tuesday was charged with tension as accusations and debates erupted almost immediately. This session marked the first meeting since the scandal involving Íñigo Errejón came to light, and it was clear that the atmosphere was heavily influenced by this ongoing controversy.
PSOE spokesperson Reyes Maroto opened the session in the absence of Más Madrid spokesperson Rita Maestre, who was slightly delayed due to traffic. Maroto swiftly criticized Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, asserting that he lacks the legitimacy to continue leading Madrid without issuing an apology to the feminist movement. In a passionate address, Maroto claimed that the feminist movement has achieved more for women's rights and equality than Almeida has for the city itself.
"Your statements demonstrate that your interests align with those of the patriarchy and machismo," Maroto declared. "Though society has evolved, you remain stuck in the past. Stop using the Errejón case as political fodder against your adversaries; instead, condemn the aggressors and support the victims. Otherwise, you should resign and cease this embarrassment, as your hypocrisy is boundless."
Maroto also challenged the city council regarding their strategies for enhancing access to affordable housing, questioning their reluctance to declare pressured areas to regulate rental prices.
As the session continued, Rita Maestre did not hold back in her condemnation of the remarks made by representatives of the Popular Party (PP). She described their laughter and casual demeanor while discussing sexual assault as "repulsive, disgusting, and shameful," particularly referencing cases such as Nevenka’s in Ponferrada and the controversial figures within the PP like Juan Carlos Fernández, Daniel Serrano, and Julio de España.
Maestre confronted Almeida bluntly, pointing out that his initial tweet following the revelations surrounding Errejón framed the issue as an attack on feminism and left-wing parties, rather than addressing the severity of the sexual assault itself. "You are turning a case of sexual assault into a political weapon against feminism. We should all take this matter seriously because what feminism has fought for includes the acknowledgment that machismo, sexual assaults, and patriarchal attitudes exist across all political lines," she emphasized.
She reminded those present of the importance of recognizing problematic behavior across the political spectrum and called on the PP to focus on addressing the issue rather than deflecting blame or engaging in political games. "The difference between left-wing and right-wing parties isn't just about how many machistas are present but rather how many feminists fight to eradicate them as soon as the first signs of assault or inappropriate behavior arise. That is the true distinction between us and you," she concluded.
The session highlighted the deep political fissures in Madrid while bringing urgent issues around feminism, gender violence, and political integrity to the forefront, illustrating the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the political arena.
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