Emiliano García-Page (Toledo, 1968) feels free to speak because he says he has no ambition and has fulfilled his political aspirations. That is why he justifies his opposition to the Amnesty law, which he sees as "blackmail", casts legal doubts on it and warns of the complications that could arise from the Koldo case, about which he believes that not everything is known yet. its reach.
What do you think of the unique financing proposed by President Aragonès and ERC?
In addition to being president, he is a candidate. I resist entering into the auction that usually accompanies elections, but I don't know if it's appropriate to call yourself Esquerra and exalt selfishness and privilege. It is an unrealistic proposal that is not even presented as an aspiration to obtain more financing, but rather as a key step towards independence.
Do you see reasons for the independence supporters to complain about this matter?
We all complain. But many of us want more funding to improve healthcare, education... and others to break up the country.
But Catalonia is the third to contribute and the tenth to receive...
There is much more story than accounts. A substantial part of Catalonia's economy depends on its inclusion in the Spanish market, just like Castilla-La Mancha, therefore these are very unrealistic accounts. A country that has unity and sovereignty coexists like a block of apartments. Everything is shared, stairs, elevator... You cannot establish watertight compartments, that is a fallacy to justify privileges. But the same thing happens in Madrid, whose wealth is inseparable from its capital status.
How do you experience the fact that Madrid swallows wealth due to its fiscal policy?
Madrid's fiscal policy is 0.005% of what separates it from other autonomies. In reality, we have taxation that has very little influence on the economy. Madrid concentrates many business addresses but it does not correspond to the business muscle. The southern and eastern perimeter of Madrid is Castilla-La Mancha and many companies are establishing themselves. We are the rib cage of the Community of Madrid.
Has that photo with the PP presidents taken its toll on you?
It is a photo that someone interestedly manipulated and spread to make it appear that we had met at a summit as if it were Aznar in the Azores. Pathetic. Objectively, the four communities that have collected less than expected are Murcia, Valencia, Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha, and that requires compensation. What I am demanding is that Montero say and do the same thing as when she was advisor to the Treasury of Andalusia, that she would have to compensate.
Is the Koldo case harming the PSOE?
For now, on a moral level, because we take this matter very seriously. He started out called Koldo and I'm not sure if he ends up with the same name.
What is it referring to?
It is still under investigation. All politicians, especially if they call themselves progressive, have paid dearly for the concept of honesty and it is a case that forces us to be vigilant every day.
Has the PSOE reacted well?
The first reaction is positive, logical, but it is a reaction without knowing the depth of the investigations, which are still open. The resolution of this problem will not be quick. But as a socialist I don't want to measure myself by the same standard as the PP. I don't care that citizens demand more from the PSOE. I cannot agree that someone says that we are the same as the PP. We are the opposite.
What did you think of Ábalos' decision?
He is an outstanding student of the resistance manual. I am one of those surprised by his involvement.
It was not expected?
No, honestly not. It hurts me. Not so much about his advisor, but he didn't know him practically. Now they are trying to implicate the wife of the President of the Government, but I am very clear that she is not guided by a lucrative interest or amassing fortunes, nor is Ángel Víctor Torres or Armengol.
Can it affect Illa?
They are going to try. Since he is in the lead and they sense that he is going to grow in the campaign, they are not going to set limits, but I have the absolute conviction that Salvador is a very clean person. He does not clean, very cleans, and I think the investigations will attest to this. I think he is the only candidate with possibilities that represents the Catalan seny. The rest creates more problems than it solves.
How do you see what we have experienced in Congress this week?
It's unfortunate, and it's going to take its toll. Politics is done like in a disco and it causes fracture.
Is amnesty a fracture?
More than the amnesty, the reason for the amnesty. It is a toll, to be generous, because I think it amounts to blackmail, and this nullifies any moral basis of the proposal. Yes, it is a self-amnesty, which is against any common sense. Those affected not only vote for their own forgiveness, but they write it.
Don't you believe the story of political normalization in Catalonia?
Catalonia is probably the area that the country as a whole feels the most admiration for. Some think that there is hatred, rejection... What's up! And in Catalonia there is a general tendency towards common sense, but when tension-seekers and disruptors govern, it takes its toll. Spain needs certainties and Catalonia needs them more.
After the amnesty do you think the referendum will come?
Let's see the path that the amnesty has. With the law that has been approved, I have the feeling that the case of terrorism fits much more now than before. The law is made with a very clear warning from the independence movement that this will begin again, therefore, I discuss the usefulness. It is done out of necessity. But the referendum is unfeasible.
Do you think there was terrorism in the Tsunami case?
I have doubts that it could end in conviction, perhaps also driven by the classic concept we have of terrorism. I find the prosecution strong, but the fact that it is investigated seems normal and logical to me.
How do you interpret the opinion of the Venice Commission?
The opinion puts more buts to the amnesty than positive points. It is rather negative, regardless of the fact that it is an opinion like any other, and if it is opinions, 90% go against the constitutionality of the amnesty and in the end the hot potato will go to the TC.
Isn't it constitutional?
In the constitutional debate, a vote was put on whether or not to enter into the amnesty and it was ruled out as not possible. What is being attempted is to innovate the Constitution. The exceptions to the principle of equality are in the Constitution, which is why pardons exist, but not amnesty.
Have you felt alone in the PSOE?
No. I give my opinion on issues that directly or indirectly affect the citizens to whom I am responsible. I have no intention of representing anyone in the PSOE.
What is your relationship with Sánchez like?
It hasn't changed. It does not matter. Just as improvable.
How do you feel about being seen as the right wing of the PSOE?
It depends on who says it. We also have many posh people in the PSOE who believe they are left-wing. I have been practicing social democracy without fanaticism for 42 years, and in an era of fanaticism I am incapable of being a fanatic. I challenge anyone to compare the social policies practiced in Castilla-La Mancha.
Could Puigdemont undermine Illa's options?
Puigdemont, if he wants to try to break things more, it will be because he doesn't see himself as a winner.
Will the amnesty take its toll on the PSC in Catalonia?
The key is Illa. I'm not saying that citizens in general want to turn the page, but they do want certainties. Many people who were enthusiastic about the idea of independence today may feel cheated.
Does criticizing the independence movement get votes in Castilla-La Mancha?
I don't think it has a decisive influence for the simple reason that we have been doing it for 40 years.
Should President Ayuso resign?
Both this issue and the Koldo case are being investigated. When we know exactly what happened there will be political consequences. Everything that is depressing about Spanish political life is entertaining.
