A heated debate erupted in the Andalusian parliament as the region’s president, Juan Manuel Moreno, found himself the target of criticism from the opposition. The main issue was the absence of María Jesús Montero, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Socialist candidate for regional president, from a key political debate. Moreno repeatedly pointed out that Montero was missing from discussions on crucial matters for Andalusia, while she was in Madrid working on the national budget and reforming the regional financing system.
At the same time, Montero attended the Menina Andalucía 2025 awards ceremony in Lebrija, where she delivered a speech addressing the recent arrest of former Organization Secretary José Luis Ábalos. Her absence from the debates raised questions not only among her political opponents but also civic organizations, who had expected her stance on healthcare and corruption.
Internal party divisions and strategic decisions
Among the Socialists, it’s acknowledged that Montero is focused on preparing the state budget draft and proposing changes to the financial distribution system between regions. However, even within the party, there is uncertainty about whether these initiatives will be approved. The issue of so-called ‘special funding’ for Catalonia and the ordinality principle has once again become a stumbling block. Back in 2018, both Montero herself and the Andalusian parliament opposed this approach, which is now fueling internal disputes among the Socialists.
Party representatives say the decision to keep Montero in Madrid was made collectively and is strategic in nature. Nonetheless, her lack of public statements regarding the mass protests in defense of the healthcare system and the investigation into the procurement of masks in Almería has raised questions among activists and political observers.
Crisis of trust and new challenges for the government
Moreno, in turn, never misses an opportunity to point out that Montero’s absence from the debates is a sign of disrespect to the region. His speeches in parliament have been met with approving applause from Partido Popular deputies. However, the head of the autonomous community is also facing mounting pressure: a crisis over mass medical screenings, a corruption scandal involving mask procurement, and one of his advisors being summoned to court are all adding to an increasingly complex political climate.
The opposition is demanding clear answers and transparency from Moreno regarding the ongoing corruption investigations. Public dissatisfaction is growing over the quality of medical services and the management of budgetary funds. Questions for the Andalusian government are getting louder, and the absence of key figures at public events is only fueling tensions.
Political uncertainty and expectations
Pressure on Moreno and his team is expected to intensify in the near future. Opposition parties are demanding explanations for Montero’s absence and are calling for her direct involvement in addressing the region’s pressing issues. Meanwhile, debates continue within the Socialist Party itself over the effectiveness of their chosen strategy and how to respond to challenges related to funding and internal conflicts.
The political situation in Andalusia remains unstable. Questions about the future of regional healthcare, corruption investigations, and the role of key politicians in decision-making have become central topics for the region’s residents. These issues are expected to dominate both the parliamentary and public agenda in the coming weeks.
