The Andalusian PSOE is in silent mode. The current leaders of the party have not heard or read a single word of reproach towards the spokesperson of the pro-independence group ERC, Gabriel Rufián, after having assured the Congress that if there were inequalities in Andalusia, this was not “because of the Catalans”, but because “for 40 years, the leaders have governed” in this community.
The deputy born in Santa Coloma de Gramanet, Barcelona, although he is the son and grandson of Andalusians, said this Thursday in the heat of a debate in Congress with the First Vice President of the Government and Minister of Finance , the Sevillian María Jesús Montero, on the pact signed between the PSC and the ERC making the socialist Salvador Illa president of Catalonia in exchange for ceding to this territory the management and collection of 100% of the state taxes paid there.
To attack the Andalusian president, Juanma Moreno (PP), who is also the son of immigrants born in Barcelona, Rufián used an arsenal of economic indicators and stereotypes of a community stuck in underdevelopment. He criticized the fact that the PP considers that “it is the fault of the Catalans who have been in Andalusia for 40 years.” there is 30% poverty or 40% youth unemployment” or that “there were the worst salaries 40 years ago “in the middle of Southern Europe”.
The representative also for Seville María Jesús Montero did not reproach Rufián for these words, despite the fact that his party has governed Andalusia for almost 37 years. Among them, 14 years as Minister of Health, first, and Finance, in the last stage. In his response to Rufián, in reference to the agreement, Montero promised that “the government will respect it in its entirety (sic).” He praised Catalonia, stating that ““He has always been at the forefront of self-government which he has achieved for himself and the country as a whole.”.
Only Susana Díaz criticizes Rufián
Montero did not reprimand the independence leader for his comments on the backwardness of Andalusia, nor did any other regional leader after her. The only public official of the Andalusian PSOE who criticized Rufián was the socialist senator and former president of the Junta of Andalusia.
Through social networks, Díaz highlighted this Friday that “There are no leaders here, just a people who have earned respect through their efforts and work.” He regretted that “Mr. Rufián once again bears his name.
