Montero points out Sánchez when leaving Igualdad: "He kicked us out"

The former Minister of Equality, Irene Montero, has accused the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, of throwing Podemos out of the Government and thereby breaking the "democratic bloc" that, in her opinion, Spain needs during the transfer ceremony of its portfolio to the socialist Ana Redondo.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
20 November 2023 Monday 15:21
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Montero points out Sánchez when leaving Igualdad: "He kicked us out"

The former Minister of Equality, Irene Montero, has accused the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, of throwing Podemos out of the Government and thereby breaking the "democratic bloc" that, in her opinion, Spain needs during the transfer ceremony of its portfolio to the socialist Ana Redondo.

"Today Pedro Sanchez throws us out of this government precisely for having done what we said we would do, putting the institutions at the service of the advancement of feminist rights" and "with this he breaks the unity of the democratic bloc in which we all need each other." everyone, each other and more than ever," Montero snapped, addressing the outgoing Minister of Social Rights and General Secretary of Podemos, Ione Belarra. "But hope is even stronger than before because we already know that it is possible. The feminist struggle continues with all its strength to transform this country. And now it has you as a minister," added the purple leader, this time addressing Ana Round.

Montero, who has not referred to the leader of Sumar and second vice president of the Government, Yolanda Díaz, at any time, has thus placed all the responsibility for her absence on the new Executive, on the president of the Government, after since the purple party, integrated into Sumar, its continuity was demanded until the last moment. The absence of Podemos in the new Executive has led to speculation these days about the possibility of the purples separating from the Sumar parliamentary group, something that Podemos spokesperson Isa Serra rejected that same Tuesday.

Addressing the new minister, Ana Redondo, Montero wished her to surround herself with the "best team" but stressed that "I wish they would not leave her alone" and that "she would have the courage to make the friends of 4O and 50 uncomfortable." years of the President of the Government", a moment in which it was greatly applauded by the audience in the room. "Feminism is a very powerful movement that conquers rights by asking questions that no one has ever asked before," Montero argued.

The outgoing minister, who at all times has used the inclusive language of "everyone and everyone" in her speech, has vindicated the work carried out by her ministry in the last four years without any hint of self-criticism and has been pleased that the Feminism "is changing everything" thanks to laws and a "powerful popular movement." In this sense, Montero has highlighted that "what until now was normal is no longer normal", such as "a non-consensual kiss or being touched on the subway or at work."

He has also vindicated the struggle of the LGTBI collective "and especially the trans struggle" and has asked not to remain silent in the face of injustice: "Silence is complicit in violence and injustice. It is a death wound to democracy."

The transfer of the portfolio took place just after the harshest messages from Montero addressed to the head of the Executive, but the new minister, Ana Redondo from Valladolid, the first thing she did was thank Pedro Sánchez for the trust placed in her.