The current mayor of Zaragoza aspires to govern all of Aragon. After four years in charge of the city of which he is "reasonably satisfied", the popular Jorge Azcón (Zaragoza, 1973) confirmed his candidacy for the presidency of the community in December. A career politician, he aspires to oust the socialist Javier Lambán from office and to rule alone, although he does not close in on possible pacts.
- He always said that his dream was to be mayor and announced his candidacy after weeks of doubts. What tipped the balance?
After 16 consecutive years of left-wing governments in Zaragoza, we have not only changed the political image of the city but also its face. I am convinced that we can do the same in all of Aragon.
- The opponents disfigure a very capital profile and that he does not know the territory.
All these types of policies that seek to confront those of the coast with those of inland Spain, those of the valley with those of the mountains, those of the cities against those of the towns... are simplistic and populist policies that are they portray themselves. I think it's a bug and I'm not going to play that.
- The polls point to a tight result and without absolute majorities. The PP could win, but Lambán could add a majority with the support of other parties. How do you plan to avoid it?
The polls that we handle say that the PP is going to be the first political force in Aragon and that there is an alternative political majority. All those who have joined Lambán are having problems: the PAR is disintegrating, CHA has lost its identity and Podemos is looking for a space at the end of the legislature that it has not obtained during the four years of government.
- Would you agree with Vox?
We aspire to have a government with a sufficient majority and not have any other party within the Government of Aragon. In the City Council we have agreed with them on plenary sessions and budgets, but my goal is for there to be a lone government of the PP based on a sufficient majority.
- Then don't close the doors.
I think that the electoral result of Vox in Aragon is not going to be such that they themselves think that they can enter the Government.
- Between Vox and Teruel Existe (TE), with whom would you prefer to agree, given that they are mutually exclusive options?
I think it is a mistake to start talking about agreements and exclusions ahead of time. With Tomás Guitarte (leader of TE) there are things that separate us, and it is true that he has supported the PSOE a lot in Madrid. But it is equally true that there are many issues on which we can agree.
- Take advantage of any opportunity to identify Lambán with Sánchez despite being one of the most wayward socialist barons. Do you think that idea will catch on?
Pedro Sánchez was in Zaragoza in February, and I heard Lambán declare his loyalty to him. His problem is that sometimes he says some things but votes the opposite. The facts are more important, and the reality is that no one can put a single case in which Lambán has voted differently from Sánchez.
- In summary, what is your project for Aragon?
Aragon has to have a more important role in Spain than it currently enjoys. There are opportunities to take advantage of for the creation of employment and wealth or the attraction of companies. We have to make Aragon stop being a fiscal hell. According to the College of Economists of Spain, we are, together with Catalonia, the place where incomes of less than 20,000 euros pay more in Spain, but we have to wait longer than anyone else for an operation.
- What would you change?
From the tax system to health. We have discussed the need to reform the tax system in keeping with the country's inflation problems. We pay many more taxes and receive much less, and it is evident that problems that Aragonese health has, such as ambulances and UVIs, are inexplicable.
- What is your vision on renewables?
They are an opportunity that we must know how to take advantage of, but it is true that management in our community has been chaotic in certain regions. Just as in cities there is a general urban planning plan that says where housing can be built, in Aragon a renewable energy plan is needed that says where the territory is compatible with this type of facility.
- Do you support the management that was made with the failed JJ. oo. of winter?
It is clear that the government of Catalonia thought of its own interests and that of Aragon of his, and the result was a failure for Spain. Understanding and dialogue from the beginning would have led to a different result.
- If you win, do you have any plans to improve relations with Catalonia?
A dialogue of equals. The objective of the representatives must be to seek agreements, not confrontation. I have always sought collaboration and dialogue to solve the problems of my neighbors.
- Including the pro-independence forces?
You can always talk within the law. I believe that the independence forces have a serious problem with legality and with the Spanish Constitution, and that is that they do not respect it. But speaking, I have shown that I am capable of doing it with everyone.
- What consequences would a victory of the PP in Aragon have at the national level?
In addition to improving the policies of our community, if I govern, I will try to prevent Sánchez from continuing to be president of Spain.
- And if after leaving the mayor's office he does not achieve the presidency?
I consider being president of Aragon, it is what I work for.
