Opposition Calls for Resignation of Spanish Vice President Amid Controversy
Alberto Núñez Feijóo and the People's Party demand immediate action following María Jesús Montero's remarks on judicial independence and presumption of innocence.
The leader of Spain's People's Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has called for the resignation of Vice President María Jesús Montero, following her recent comments regarding the presumption of innocence in relation to the case involving former FC Barcelona player Dani Alves.
Montero's remarks, which were perceived as undermining judicial independence and questioning the integrity of private universities, have sparked widespread criticism from the opposition.
Feijóo expressed his dismay through social media, asserting that it is a source of 'shame' that judicial associations must remind a vice president about the principles of judicial independence and the necessity of respecting the presumption of innocence.
He indicated that Montero is unfit to hold a position in any European government given her statements.
Cuca Gamarra, the PP's secretary general, echoed Feijóo's sentiments, stating that Montero 'cannot continue in office' and emphasizing that the presumption of innocence is a fundamental right in any democracy.
Criticism from within the party continued, with Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo labeling the current government as being in conflict with the law, asserting that 'the law does not surrender.'
Borja Sémper, the national spokesperson for the PP, also condemned Montero's comments, which followed a court ruling that acquitted Alves.
Sémper described her remarks as an 'offensive' against the judiciary and indicated that the party leadership was astonished by her statement concerning private university education.
He asserted that Montero should have resigned 'a long time ago' due to her controversial remarks.
The controversy arises against a backdrop of ongoing discussions in Spain regarding the relationship between political authority and judicial independence, particularly as it pertains to high-profile legal cases.
Montero, who additionally serves as Minister of Finance, has not publicly responded to the calls for her resignation as the situation develops.
Montero's remarks, which were perceived as undermining judicial independence and questioning the integrity of private universities, have sparked widespread criticism from the opposition.
Feijóo expressed his dismay through social media, asserting that it is a source of 'shame' that judicial associations must remind a vice president about the principles of judicial independence and the necessity of respecting the presumption of innocence.
He indicated that Montero is unfit to hold a position in any European government given her statements.
Cuca Gamarra, the PP's secretary general, echoed Feijóo's sentiments, stating that Montero 'cannot continue in office' and emphasizing that the presumption of innocence is a fundamental right in any democracy.
Criticism from within the party continued, with Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo labeling the current government as being in conflict with the law, asserting that 'the law does not surrender.'
Borja Sémper, the national spokesperson for the PP, also condemned Montero's comments, which followed a court ruling that acquitted Alves.
Sémper described her remarks as an 'offensive' against the judiciary and indicated that the party leadership was astonished by her statement concerning private university education.
He asserted that Montero should have resigned 'a long time ago' due to her controversial remarks.
The controversy arises against a backdrop of ongoing discussions in Spain regarding the relationship between political authority and judicial independence, particularly as it pertains to high-profile legal cases.
Montero, who additionally serves as Minister of Finance, has not publicly responded to the calls for her resignation as the situation develops.
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