Even in war there are rules

 

We are amazed at how insults and contempt, malpractice, as well as its normalization, have become a daily routine in the Congress of Deputies. The degradation of the debate to which some politicians are subjected to an activity that, let us remember, is a commitment to society and public responsibility, is of great concern. We know that the political game has its own procedure and its interests, given the need of some to occupy a position at all costs, but honestly I have never witnessed, at the regional level, an episode as serious and degrading as the one we have seen, which We already knew about it but it has become abundantly clear in recent days regarding the case of the local Administration Congress and officials with the San Bartolomé de Tirajana - Santa Lucía authorization. Therefore, allow me a reflection. 

 

I am aware, as I say, that for some anything goes in politics: the end justifies the means and deceiving the electorate is part of their daily behavior. It should not be like this but unfortunately, bad politicians have it standardized and hence the justified rejection of an important part of the society we represent. It's not for me. Absolutely. And with these lines I am aware that I am imposing an ethical and moral bar on myself that I accept without reservation, since I already had it, as is my obligation, as general secretary of the Socialists of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, especially when it comes to denouncing what which we understand as an episode of mistreatment of a colleague, as has happened around the figure of Concepción Narváez. But I also write from a certainty, based on two decades of political practice, and that I will always defend, being aware that the vast majority of my vocational colleagues, 99%, whether they are from my party or antagonistic in ideas or programs, They are essentially good people and carry out their work responsibly with the common goal of improving the lives of our neighbors. That's what we are here for. 

 

Last year, during the month of February, there was no doubt. Only blunt truths. She appeared in all the media, with a trip included to Madrid to sit before the cameras of national channels and denounce all kinds of tricks, goings-on and corruption in the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council. So there was no problem in pointing out Mayor Concepción Narváez again and again, even filing a criminal complaint. It has been a year and a half of excessive pressure, to which the then mayor has been subjected. An issue that not only she has had to endure, but also those around her... minor children included. Then there were elections on the horizon and a political rival had to be eliminated at all costs.  

 

Now, almost a year later, we have learned that those who previously sold truths now retract everything in a document presented to the Court of Auditors. Now, without distinction between intervener and mayor, since the document presented does not speak of people but of facts, they say that everything was processed correctly and they recognize that none of the irregularities presented previously were incurred, when it was time to sink a colleague . It is anything goes and the worst of populism to deceive and alter an electoral process, also deceiving the media that echoed these ephemeral truths. Anything goes? In my opinion, no.  

 

 

In the document presented to the Court of Auditors, it is clarified that no irregularity was committed, especially in relation to the contracting of musical performances, as in the congress contract itself, and it is admitted that no payment has been made derived from or in relation to the reported facts. That is to say, first I attack, regardless of the damage I cause, which is not only political, and then, with the electoral process over and with justice taking place for hours, I gather my candles lest it be my turn to pay and, incidentally, Maybe I will improve my relationship with the official that I put at the horses' feet a little over a year ago. To add further embarrassment, the text requests the Court to remove the representative of the Canarian Coalition from the process. The last straw. 

 

His words are there, in the press, black on white, for whoever wants to review them. Among other 'kindnesses', they said that those accused were aware of the waste of the money made, which was unnecessary, capricious and did not bring any good to the community; that they did it for their own benefit, for a small group of people, this being twisted and unjustified. Well now he says no. Quite the opposite. That everything was correct. Now…?

 

In my humble opinion, this cannot be left without deep reflection, in an exercise of responsibility for the correct way to carry out political work and the effects it has on society, especially in relation to the detachment that a part of the citizens feel towards the policy that implies, in my opinion and with the example of an immense majority of colleagues, a higher responsibility.  

 

In 20 years I had not come across such an embarrassing case. The truth is that in this episode all the red lines have been skipped and it makes me think that this moral character, the lack of ethical principles and empathy of representatives who have no shame when attacking a political rival, only wielding vagueness and using justice as a weapon in a political duel. 

 

“Even in war there are rules…” my grandmother said. In my opinion, these people are not qualified and should not continue to represent a municipality and a citizenry like that of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. Meanwhile, the damage has already been done and I am not talking about the damage to the PSOE proposal in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. What is most deteriorated is, once again, the vocation for public service that must be an inherent quality of being a good person and that anyone who aspires to be a good politician must have, no matter what.

 

From the PSOE of San Bartolomé de Tirajana we express our deep discomfort. From here, we also demand responsibilities. This can not be allowed. It is in our hands that our activity, POLITICS, is once again respected and understood by citizens.

 

Carlos Alamo Cabrera
General Secretary of the PSOE in San Bartolomé de Tirajana.