Summary
- Political tensions arise in Orihuela as PSOE and Cambiemos refuse to participate in the institutional banner for the 8M march
- Concerns over possible participation of VOX, a party known for its controversial stance on gender violence
- Both opposition parties aim to support feminist causes independently from the institutional route
- VOX withdraws from the march, criticizing it as overly politicized and not supportive of women’s rights
Political Rift in Orihuela Ahead of 8M March
As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, the city of Orihuela is witnessing significant political tensions among local parties regarding participation in the upcoming march. Two opposition parties, the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and Cambiemos Orihuela, have announced that they will not join the customary institutional banner this year due to concerns over the possible presence of the far-right party, VOX.
Concerns Over VOX’s Participation
The fears stem from VOX’s past actions and declarations that have been viewed as dismissive of issues surrounding gender violence and inequality. cambiemos Orihuela spokesperson Enrique Montero criticized VOX’s stance, highlighting that the party has exhibited a “denialist attitude” toward critical issues in the fight for women’s rights. Montero expressed frustration with the People’s Party (PP) for its perceived normalization of VOX’s viewpoints and distancing from progressive ideals concerning gender equality.
Similarly, PSOE’s local spokesperson, Carolina Gracia, emphasized that it is ”unacceptable” for the PP to prioritize its political comfort over the ongoing attacks from VOX on gender violence victims.gracia pointed to the unacceptable wage gap of over €400 between men and women in today’s society and called for concerted efforts to eradicate these inequalities.
Plans for Participation
Despite their withdrawal from the institutional banner, both PSOE and Cambiemos plan to participate in the march alongside other civil society organizations, such as the Miguel Hernández Citizens’ Coordinator. This year, the parties aim to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to feminist causes without associating with what they consider extremist ideologies.
In contrast, VOX publicly announced their decision to abstain from the march. The party believes the event is being utilized by political entities to push progressive agendas rather of focusing on genuine rights for women. They articulated their position by asserting that past governmental policies have not effectively improved women’s conditions, but rather led to greater risks for them.
Criticism of Politicization
VOX’s local representatives have expressed concerns that the march supports political ideologies such as pro-abortion views, asserting that such agendas betray the true needs of women. the party advocated for a more objective march that prioritizes actual women’s rights without engaging in political rhetoric.
Conclusion
as the March 8 event approaches, the friction among Orihuela’s political landscape surrounding feminism and gender equality continues to unfold. While opposition parties prepare to showcase their dedication to women’s rights, VOX’s withdrawal indicates growing divisions over how best to advocate for these crucial issues. The 8M march promises to highlight not onyl the goals of the feminist movement but also the complex interplay of politics within it.