Montero Focuses Campaign on Public Services, Andalusian Identity, and Economy

The socialist leader María Jesús Montero criticizes Juanma Moreno's PP model, accusing it of degrading healthcare and betraying the spirit of 28F.

Generic image of a microphone on a podium during a political event.
IA

Generic image of a microphone on a podium during a political event.

The general secretary of the Andalusian PSOE, María Jesús Montero, has outlined the pillars of her campaign for the May 17 elections, prioritizing the defense of public services, Andalusian identity, and regional economic development.

During an informative breakfast organized by Nueva Economía Fórum in Seville, Montero contrasted her vision for Andalusia with that of the Popular Party, led by Juanma Moreno. The socialist candidate described Moreno as a person who is “polite but not a moderate politician,” arguing that his policies reflect the “radicalism” of the PP at the national level.

"Juanma Moreno is polite but not moderate; he carries the radicalism of the PP."

María Jesús Montero · General Secretary of the Andalusian PSOE
The socialist leader also accused the Andalusian president of “betraying” the spirit of the historic February 28, 1980, with his “indolence” in governance. Montero detailed what she considers Moreno's “neoliberal” plan for public services, which, according to her, seeks to degrade healthcare to “push society towards private options” and ultimately replace the public model.
In contrast, the PSOE advocates for a strong commitment to public services, including improvements in access to housing, public education (from compulsory schooling to Vocational Training and university), and dependency care. Economically, Montero attributed Andalusia's current positive situation to the actions of the central government of Pedro Sánchez, rather than to measures implemented by Moreno's executive.
The socialist candidate emphasized the importance of key sectors such as energy and renewable energies, including green hydrogen and semiconductors, to attract business investment to the community. Furthermore, Montero championed an “Andalusian identity” project to reclaim the region's “own voice” and the spirit of 28F, criticizing Andalusia's loss of political weight and the Juanma Moreno government's lack of “ambition” to expand its jurisdictional framework.
Finally, Montero insisted that the May 17 elections will be a “referendum” on healthcare and public services, where the models of the PP and PSOE will clash. Her objective is to “mobilize” progressive voters who typically abstain in Andalusian elections. Prominent PSOE figures attended the event, including former Junta president Manuel Chaves and Ángela Claverol, president of Amama Sevilla.