POLITICAL SUICIDE?

the tourists, of whom there are many this year, regardless of their religious beliefs.

So, I ask the question, “Should I be excluded from Office for my lack of religious beliefs?” It is true that I don’t fit into the mould of a typical Spanish local politician. Some accept that, and it bothers others. I have to ask what my motivation would be to participate in these processions. It would not be on religious or faith grounds so presumably it would be for political reasons. I know that church and state in Spain have a long history of being long term bedfellows . I am not comfortable with it, but I do accept it.

within the political circus. I don’t hold her views but I admire her sincerity even if it bordered on political suicide.

The funny thing is that as we are now in Semana Santa, I find myself in a completely reversed position in relation in my role as a local councillor. I finally didn’t get any grief this year for refusing to carry a silver sceptre in the Semana Santa processions. It is accepted that, in at least this part of Spain, if you are a councillor you should participate in the processions of thrones through the streets, attend masses, and visit the Hermandades (brotherhoods) which are responsible for the Easter processions.

Let me make it clear, I have no objection whatsoever to these events, and I know they mean a lot to some local people, as well as being a great spectacle for

I do find it strange, however, that politicians who heavily criticise the church for its role in the Spanish Civil War, who don’t go to church with any kind of regularity, if at all, proudly march at the front of Semana Santa processions. One can only assume that for many it is an act of a political nature.

I take this as just another sign that I struggle to fit in to the Spanish political mentality where everything is an opportunity to tout for votes even if you don’t believe in it.