Madrid President Condemns Catalan Nationalism and Defends Chief of Staff Amid Scandal
Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid, has voiced her strong opposition to the alliance forming between the Popular Party and Junts in Congress aimed at repealing the tax on energy companies. She described Catalan nationalism as 'toxic,' asserting that no matter the concessions made, nationalists will always demand more. 'They want additional funds to create parallel nations, and ultimately, they will strike,' she stated, expressing her desire for distance from collaborative efforts that may alter governance in favor of her party. Ayuso criticized nationalism for governing against the people, promoting a misleading cause that she deems false and utopian.
In addition to her political critiques, Ayuso has come to the defense of her chief of staff, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, amidst rumors concerning his partner, who faces allegations of double tax fraud. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Ayuso has extended her full support to Rodríguez, claiming there is a conspiracy by the central government aimed at discrediting her administration. 'They have taken a tax declaration, manipulated it, and fraudulently leaked it. This orchestrated campaign, initiated by the Treasury and disseminated through the media, is designed to tarnish a political opponent,' she argued, attempting to undermine the credibility of the allegations against Rodríguez's partner.
Ayuso refrained from taking personal blame for the scandal, emphasizing the separation between her role as president and the private issues of her chief of staff. 'I should not have to discuss this; a serious crime has been committed. This is a state operation that journalists should not be privy to,' she remarked. She went on to highlight the importance of legal due process, asserting, 'The right to defense has been violated.' Ayuso pointed out that the legal troubles experienced by Rodríguez's partner are not an excuse to target him due to his political affiliations. She concluded her statement with a poignant reflection on the current political climate: 'The president of the government has decided to burn everything and run forward with a reckless approach.'
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