The Andalusian capital became the scene of a new political conflict this Sunday, as the PSOE denounced the «illegal removal» of its propaganda in the city. In response, the City Council defended the measure, stating it was taken to «prevent risks» for pedestrians.
“"It's shameful! The PP caught eliminating political rivals by radial saw, on assigned lampposts and with permission from the Electoral Board. It's undemocratic. We will report it. Democracy is also defended on every lamppost."
The Seville City Council explained that the removal of posters was not limited to those of the PSOE but affected propaganda from all parties. This action followed an inspection by the Public Lighting service, which detected «danger» to citizens. According to the Council, «there are banners that jeopardize the structural integrity of lighting supports and the anchoring bolts of the bases».
Furthermore, municipal authorities indicated that the electoral propaganda was placed in «unauthorized spaces» without the necessary public lighting authorization. Among the irregularities detected, it was also noted that «some posters are directly attached with zip ties to the supports, which is not allowed».
The municipal action has been strongly criticized by left-wing parties. A spokesperson for Izquierda Unida in the Sevillian capital accused the mayor's office of «crossing a very serious line» by «allegedly ordering» municipal workers to remove electoral advertising from Por Andalucía, which was placed on lampposts «formally assigned to this candidacy as electoral space».
“"This is a very serious act, unworthy of a democratic institution. The mayor cannot use municipal resources to intervene in the electoral campaign or to remove propaganda from a candidacy placed in legally assigned spaces."
The spokesperson warned that this action «undermines the democratic guarantees of the electoral process» and «contravenes Article 56 of the LOREG», which regulates the provision of public spaces for the free placement of electoral propaganda. Political tension is escalating with eleven days remaining until Andalusians head to the polls.
