SUMMING UP: United for change!

A NEW united left party has formed to fight the general elections next month.

After tense negotiations, the group called Sumar (meaning ‘Unite’) set up just hours before a deadline to register coalitions expired at the weekend.

The new force includes anti-corruption party Podemos, which is currently in coalition with the Pedro Sanchez’ PSOE government.

Led by Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz, it comprises a total of 15 smaller parties, including the IU (United Left), Mas Madrid and Mas Pais, plus green groups, including Equo.

The strategy aims to snare more votes to fight off the likely challenge of a coalition government set up between the PP party and the far-right Vox party, which it is feared will make major gains.

By Alex Trelinski

allowing more hunting, as well as installing the traps. In the 2021-22 season, 42,315 boars were shot in the Valencian Community - 19% more than the previous season and triple the figures of a decade earlier.

A PAIR of Spanish footballers have condemned homophobic comments they received for carrying handbags to a wedding. The Real Betis players slammed Twitter users for still living ‘in prehistoric times’.

Strikers Antonio Ruibal and Borja Iglesias were pictured carrying handbags as part of their outfits.

“I want to emphasise the importance of having respect for any person regardless of their sexual orientation,” said Ruibal.

“We need to condemn homophobia and fight for its eradication.”

Voted top expat paper in Spain OPINION

Voting system needs reform

THE Partido Popular rightly drew a very heavy red line this week over admitting Vox's top regional man into their coalition to govern the Valencian Community. That pact between the two parties is controversial enough but what caused a big stink was Vox's first name on their regional list, Carlos Flores, and the possibility of him grabbing a big job under incoming president, Carlos Mazon.

Flores - a Valencia University constitutional law professor - was convicted in 2002 'for psychological violence' against his ex-wife which earned him a oneyear suspended prison sentence.

He committed 21 incidents of 'coercion, insults, and humiliations' against his former partner - and mother of his children - which led to her having a breakdown. At a time when domestic violence is rising, what kind of a message does this send out when someone with a conviction gets a chance to grab political power?

Fortunately the PP were supposedly never going to give ground over including Flores but now he has the big consolation prize of being top on the Valencia list of Vox candidates for next month's general election, which means he's odds-on to get elected to Congress.

The Flores rumpus shows up a massive flaw in the Spanish electoral system compared to the UK. Back in Blighty you vote in a general or council election for individual candidates.

In Spain, you're dumped with a party list and if you don't think somebody should be on it, then you are left with casting a ballot for a dubious candidate or having to vote for a different party.

Perhaps it's time for voters in Spain to really get a chance to have their say on candidates - irrespective of politics - in a changed voting system that allows the best and unblemished to go forward at the expense of those who should not be standing for public office.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Alberto Lejarraga alberto@theolivepress.es

Jo Chipchase jo@theolivepress.es

John Culatto

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