Toscano (Vox) calls Madrid delegate “filoetarra,” president won’t reprimand councilor

In a recent session at the Madrid City Council, Carla Toscano, a Vox councilor, referred to Government Delegate Francisco Martín as "filoetarra." This term implies a connection to the Basque separatist group ETA, which has sparked considerable controversy. Despite requests from socialist spokesperson Reyes Maroto for the council president, Borja Fanjul of the PP, to call Toscano to order, he declined to do so.

During the council meeting, Toscano reiterated her remarks after realizing she would not face reprimand. She pointed to what she deemed Martín’s alignment with the pro-independence group Bildu, asserting, "His affinity for Bildu was expressed by the delegate himself."

Maroto raised a point of order concerning Toscano’s outburst, urging that the insult be removed from the meeting minutes. Fanjul responded by stating, "What is in the minutes stays in the minutes." When pressed by Maroto to take action against Toscano under the council’s organic rules, specifically article 79 A, Fanjul maintained his stance, saying, "I have listened to your reading of the rules, and I appreciate it. I will not call Ms. Toscano to order."

Following the session, Maroto expressed her disappointment to reporters about the atmosphere in the council, attributing it to the behavior of PP and Vox. She criticized them for not focusing on issues affecting Madrid and instead using the platform to clash with the Spanish government.

Maroto accused Fanjul of failing to uphold the decorum expected of a council president, highlighting a pattern of bias. "While he lifts his voice over the use of the term ‘nazi,’ he remains silent when an institution is labeled ‘filoetarra,’" she noted.

She concluded by stating that this behavior is not what the people of Madrid deserve and undermines the efforts of politicians who work tirelessly for the public good. "The sectarianism and mudslinging have become the trademark of the PP and Vox, as they unite to oppose a government focused on progress for the entire nation," Maroto concluded.

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Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/espana/agencias/2024/07/23/toscano-vox-llama-filoetarra-a-delegado-madrid-y-el-presidente-del-pleno-rechaza-llamar-al-orden-a-la-concejala/