PP Withdraws Question to Minister Torres Following Cancer Announcement
The Popular Party opts for a more conciliatory approach after the minister disclosed his health status.
The Popular Party (PP) has decided to withdraw a question directed at Minister of Social Rights and 2030 Agenda, Ione Belarra Torres, in light of his recent announcement regarding his cancer diagnosis.
This decision, made public on Sunday, reflects a choice to show respect for Torres amid his health challenges.
The question, previously submitted by PP representative Sofía Acedo, aimed to criticize Torres's recent agreement with Junts, which involves transferring unaccompanied foreign minors (menas) from the Canary Islands and Ceuta to other autonomous communities.
The planned relocation is part of a royal decree approved by the Council of Ministers, which outlines the movement of up to 4,000 minors from the islands and an additional 400 minors currently in overcrowded centers in Ceuta.
The original inquiry questioned Torres on his interpretation of 'equitable solidarity' among regions.
The decree had been previously labeled as a 'decretazo' by the regional governments under the PP, who expressed concerns that it treats vulnerable minors as mere commodities and discriminates against certain communities.
In the backdrop of political tensions, the PP has indicated that now is not the appropriate time for political friction considering the circumstances surrounding Torres’s health.
The party has previously accused the minister of using vulnerable migrant minors as leverage to undermine the coalition government in the Canary Islands, which he previously led.
Following the spring 2023 elections, Fernando Clavijo regained control of the regional government, despite the Socialist Party (PSOE) winning the popular vote.
Clavijo's relationship with Torres has been characterized by significant strain, providing the latter an opportunity to challenge the PP in addressing the minors' crisis.
Amid political negotiations that arose from the emergency involving foreign minors, the PP initiated a pact between its leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Clavijo in September.
Simultaneously, the PP claimed to seek an agreement with the government that would align the minors' relocation with a significant shift in the national migration policy.
After concerns regarding the lack of action from Torres and Youth and Children Minister Sira Rego in soliciting European Union assistance to manage migrant arrivals, Miguel Tellado, a spokesperson for the PP, opted to terminate negotiations in December.
The latest decision to withdraw the question was made by the PP spokesperson following Minister Torres’s disclosure that he suffers from cancer but is determined to remain active in his ministerial role.
He has announced plans for a surgical intervention in April to address cancerous tumors but stated he does not anticipate delegating his responsibilities during this period.
While the minister is expected to suspend public engagements for several weeks, he had been scheduled to attend the upcoming congressional session to respond to the PP's query before it was removed from the agenda.
Torres has emphasized his commitment to continuing his duties, asserting that he remains resolute in his responsibilities despite health challenges.
This decision, made public on Sunday, reflects a choice to show respect for Torres amid his health challenges.
The question, previously submitted by PP representative Sofía Acedo, aimed to criticize Torres's recent agreement with Junts, which involves transferring unaccompanied foreign minors (menas) from the Canary Islands and Ceuta to other autonomous communities.
The planned relocation is part of a royal decree approved by the Council of Ministers, which outlines the movement of up to 4,000 minors from the islands and an additional 400 minors currently in overcrowded centers in Ceuta.
The original inquiry questioned Torres on his interpretation of 'equitable solidarity' among regions.
The decree had been previously labeled as a 'decretazo' by the regional governments under the PP, who expressed concerns that it treats vulnerable minors as mere commodities and discriminates against certain communities.
In the backdrop of political tensions, the PP has indicated that now is not the appropriate time for political friction considering the circumstances surrounding Torres’s health.
The party has previously accused the minister of using vulnerable migrant minors as leverage to undermine the coalition government in the Canary Islands, which he previously led.
Following the spring 2023 elections, Fernando Clavijo regained control of the regional government, despite the Socialist Party (PSOE) winning the popular vote.
Clavijo's relationship with Torres has been characterized by significant strain, providing the latter an opportunity to challenge the PP in addressing the minors' crisis.
Amid political negotiations that arose from the emergency involving foreign minors, the PP initiated a pact between its leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Clavijo in September.
Simultaneously, the PP claimed to seek an agreement with the government that would align the minors' relocation with a significant shift in the national migration policy.
After concerns regarding the lack of action from Torres and Youth and Children Minister Sira Rego in soliciting European Union assistance to manage migrant arrivals, Miguel Tellado, a spokesperson for the PP, opted to terminate negotiations in December.
The latest decision to withdraw the question was made by the PP spokesperson following Minister Torres’s disclosure that he suffers from cancer but is determined to remain active in his ministerial role.
He has announced plans for a surgical intervention in April to address cancerous tumors but stated he does not anticipate delegating his responsibilities during this period.
While the minister is expected to suspend public engagements for several weeks, he had been scheduled to attend the upcoming congressional session to respond to the PP's query before it was removed from the agenda.
Torres has emphasized his commitment to continuing his duties, asserting that he remains resolute in his responsibilities despite health challenges.
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