PSOE's Ángeles Férriz Calls for Action Against In-House Sexual Harassment: 'I’m Fed Up with Pimps and Harassers'

In a bold and unfiltered statement, Ángeles Férriz, the spokesperson for the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) in the Andalusian Parliament, took a firm stand against recent allegations of sexual harassment within her party. During a press conference at the parliamentary headquarters in Seville, Férriz expressed her frustration with the misconduct that has reportedly plagued the PSOE, stating, "I’m fed up with pimps and harassers." Her remarks couldn't have been more straightforward, reflecting her weariness over the damaging allegations that she believes threaten the party’s credibility as a defender of equality and feminism. She expressed dismay that a few individuals, described by her as "four scoundrels," could tarnish the reputation and the hard work of countless dedicated members of the PSOE. "This hurts me deeply, as we stand for full equality and feminism; such behaviors have no place in our ranks," Férriz declared, as she voiced the sentiments shared by many within the party, especially among women advocating for a more robust response to these issues. The upheaval follows unsettling revelations about the so-called Koldo case, involving former Minister of Transport, José Luis Ábalos, and his advisor, Koldo García, who have both been implicated in procuring women. The term "pimps" was notably employed by Férriz as she discussed this disconcerting incident and others. Furthermore, the allegations against Francisco Salazar, a former Secretary General at La Moncloa, highlight a deeply concerning lack of action from party leaders, who only responded five months after the news broke, following grave testimonies from several women. The scandal escalated this week as accusations arose against José Tomé, until recently president of the Lugo Provincial Council, who stands accused by six women of harassment. Though he proclaimed his innocence and opted to remain in office, he resigned later that day under pressure from his party. The allegations against him include unwanted touching and offers of employment in exchange for sexual favors, with claims that the internal anti-harassment channel of PSOE was ineffective in addressing the grievances raised by these women. In light of continued frustrations regarding handling of harassment cases, the socialist women’s group, FeMeS, issued a statement criticizing the PSOE's response as inadequate. They called for more proactive measures to tackle the culture of machismo that pervades the party, expressing particular concern over the failures linked to cases like those involving Salazar and Tomé. FeMeS is advocating for the elevation of feminist women to positions of responsibility within the PSOE, alongside reconstitution of the Advisory Council on Equality Policies. They are also pushing for Congress to adopt an abolitionist law on prostitution, reinforcing the demand for the integration of authentic and clear feminist policies within the socialist platform. With revelations mounting and frustrations boiling over, Férriz’s candid remarks have ignited a conversation within the PSOE about accountability, responsibility, and the pressing need for reform to uphold the party's core values of equality and feminism. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2