The Minister of Equality and second in command of Podemos, Irene Montero, expressed disappointment on Monday with Emiliano García-Page, the PSOE’s candidate for the presidency of the Castilla-La Mancha region, for consistently seeking alliances with the conservative party (PP). Montero stated that «with Mr. Page, the right-wing rules even when they don’t govern,» adding that Castilla-La Mancha needs a progressive government with the strength of Podemos. She argued that Podemos’ presence in the government could help implement measures that are fundamental to citizens of Castilla-La Mancha, such as the reform of the abortion law and the right to housing.
Podemos’ candidate for the presidency of the region, José Luis García Gascón, also criticized García-Page for his attacks against Montero and her ministry, calling them «unacceptable.» He pledged to fulfill feminist laws in the next legislature that the regional president is not fulfilling, such as the Abortion Law reform and the Law for a Society Free of Gender Violence. García Gascón added that if elected, he will advance the defense of women’s rights in conjunction with the Ministry of Equality.
Regarding last week’s CIS poll, García Gascón expressed satisfaction with the fact that Podemos may gain representation in the regional assembly, showing that citizens want a progressive change compared to «the setbacks» of García-Page and Maria Dolores de Cospedal’s absolute majorities. He concluded that Podemos’ entry into the Assembly could be essential for a progressive and transformative government in Castilla-La Mancha, promoting progress in education, healthcare, housing, rights for women and young people, and the environment.
Finally, Manu Pineda, a member of the European Parliament from Podemos, supported García Gascón’s candidacy, stating that it is necessary to end the right-wing parties and policies in the region. He criticized the current president of Castilla-La Mancha for employing right-wing policies with a fist and a club in hand, destroying the solidarity fund, and filling the region with mega-farms.
