PP's New General Secretary Defends Valencia Leadership Amidst Controversies

In a recent interview on Onda Cero's program Más de Uno, Miguel Tellado, the new general secretary of the Popular Party (PP), staunchly defended the actions of Carlos Mazón, the president of the Generalitat Valenciana, in handling the recent DANA (severe weather phenomenon) crisis. Tellado noted that it would have been easier for Mazón to exit the government, leaving someone else to address the daunting challenges posed by the crisis. However, he praised Mazón for owning up to mistakes made during the episode, stating, "I have not heard anyone from the government admit mistakes," highlighting Mazón’s accountability. When pressed by host Carlos Alsina about the specific mistakes Mazón had accepted, Tellado spoke generally, indicating that there were opportunities for improvements but emphasized the lack of initial cooperation from the Spanish government. This assertion created some tension when Alsina reminded him that Mazón had previously expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Sánchez's prompt response to the flooding. Tellado clarified that Mazón's gratitude was a reflection of institutional cordiality intended to avoid political disputes at that moment, while also pointing out that despite this, the PSOE was simultaneously launching social media campaigns against Mazón. Furthermore, he criticized the left-wing coalition for refusing to suspend congressional sessions during the crisis, which could have provided leadership to the situation in Valencia. In the same interview, Tellado also addressed matters regarding the relationship between the PP and Vox. He underlined the PP's commitment to a unified government without coalition ministries from Vox, although he expressed willingness to collaborate with them on agreements. This stance aims to assure their supporters that the party will not let Vox obstruct crucial political changes in Spain. "Agreement with Vox yes, Vox in the Government no," Tellado stated, reaffirming the PP's independent governance approach while rejecting calls for a complete separation from Abascal's party, as has been suggested by the PSOE. Amidst political upheavals and challenges, Tellado's comments reflect a strategic position from the PP to maintain its identity while navigating the complexities of coalition politics in Spain. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2