Mónica Oltra on Economic Power and Her Political Comeback: A Conversation on Democracy and Justice

In her recent interview with Onda Cero, Mónica Oltra, the former vice president of the Generalitat and a potential candidate for the mayoralty of València, voiced serious concerns about the increasing vulnerability of democracies against economic power. She believes that the regulatory power of democracies has diminished, leaving them defenseless against financial interests. Oltra's interview marked her first public appearance since announcing her intention to re-enter active politics—a decision that she described as both a source of anxiety and a therapeutic process. 'I had a crisis of faith in justice,' Oltra revealed, emphasizing that her return to the legal profession was challenging. Yet, she acknowledged that her faith was shaken further when the financial crisis began affecting the public landscape. Central to Oltra's narrative is the ongoing legal proceedings against her and several former collaborators within the Ministry of Equality, who are accused of covering up a sexual abuse case related to her ex-husband. She admitted that this trial could coincide with the municipal elections, raising the possibility that if elected mayor, she may find herself in the defendants' dock. Despite the complexities surrounding her legal situation, Oltra expressed a firm resolve not to be intimidated by the challenges before her. She clarified that while she had received prior offers to re-enter politics, including a chance to run for European elections, her preference remains with local politics. Oltra also echoed sentiments from other leftist leaders like ERC's Gabriel Rufián regarding the need for unity among leftist forces, stating her willingness to collaborate wherever possible to strengthen this agenda. Her critique of extreme digitalization and the overarching control of major technology companies, including those owned by Elon Musk, underscores her belief that cities should serve as spaces for socialization rather than mere circulation. When discussing her resignation, Oltra stood firm, asserting that the nature of her departure was not a matter of regret for her personally but rather an imposition from others. 'Those who need to ask questions about why I resigned are other people,' she declared, revealing that her resignation was not voluntary but a response to pressure from her partners in government. Oltra lamented the failure of her colleagues to withstand the media and judicial scrutiny, suggesting that they capitulated under pressure rather than supporting her at a moment of crisis. As Oltra prepares for a possible comeback in municipal politics, her reflections on the intersections of democracy, justice, and economic power present a compelling narrative of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2