The presentation of María Jesús Montero as a candidate for the presidency of the Junta de Andalucía took place this Tuesday at the Nueva Economía Forum, held at the Alfonso XIII Hotel in Seville. The event was attended by prominent historical leaders of the PSOE, including former Junta president, Manuel Chaves, former Parliament president, Manuel Gracia, Carmen Hermosín, Luis Yáñez, Micaela Navarro, and the vice-president of the Congress, Alfonso Rodríguez Gómez de Celis.
During her speech, Montero, a medical doctor by profession, claimed to have the precise diagnosis of Andalucía's political, economic, and social situation after two legislative terms under Juanma Moreno's government. Her analysis suggests that the PP's policies do not protect essential public services, such as healthcare and education, and that Andalucía's growth is largely due to policies implemented by Pedro Sánchez's government.
“"We are growing because Spain is growing."
The socialist candidate launched a direct attack on Juanma Moreno, accusing him of seeking a “pulse-less, hypotensive” election campaign and avoiding debate on crucial issues for Andalusians. According to Montero, Moreno focuses on “taking many photos and going from party to party,” projecting an image of moderation that does not correspond to the reality of his management or Andalucía's situation, which, in her opinion, has grown “in tow” and lost “political weight” in the territorial debate. She also accused him of having “betrayed” the spirit of February 28th.
“"Moreno Bonilla is a polite person but not a moderate politician."
Montero also addressed the state of public healthcare, promising to reduce waiting lists and listen to patients. She referred to the failure in breast cancer screenings, supporting affected women and criticizing the “indolence” and “verbal abuse” of the Junta de Andalucía towards the victims. The socialist accused Moreno's government of following a “neoliberal manual” aimed at dismantling public services, leading to their deterioration to encourage the use of private insurance.
Regarding funding, Montero pointed out that the State has “tripled” funds allocated to Andalucía, yet the region leads in poverty and social exclusion data. She attributed this situation to a “management incapacity” by Juanma Moreno's government. She also criticized the “covert privatization” of university education, highlighting the increase in private universities in the region.
