Morono's Visit to Los Pedroches Sparks Discontent Over Ignored Water Issues. Andalusian President Juan Manuel Morono visited Los Pedroches once again for a photo opportunity with the new 'mascot' — a cow named Blanca. Locals reminded him of a year without drinking water and accused the authorities of indifference.
In Los Pedroches, one of the largest agricultural regions of Córdoba, a pre-election visit by Andalusia’s president Juan Manuel Morono sparked a wave of criticism among locals. The regional leader, who had repeatedly used the image of the cow Fadi as a symbol in his campaign, was this time photographed with her granddaughter, named Blanca. However, for many residents, this gesture served as a reminder that during the region’s most difficult period—when in 2023 more than a year passed without drinking water due to drought—the authorities ignored the real needs of the people.
Morono, who arrived at the El Cruce farm accompanied by local mayors from the People’s Party, was unable to repeat the traditional photo with Fadi: the animal, which had become his “mascot” during the 2018 and 2022 elections, had recently died. Instead, the president posed with Blanca, emphasizing continuity and hope for success. During the visit he again addressed support for agriculture, highlighting the importance of women farmers and the need to modernize the sector. However, residents of Los Pedroches saw this visit as an attempt to divert attention from unresolved problems.
Particularly irritating was the fact that during the period when the region's residents were forced to line up daily for water from tank trucks, Morono did not come to support the people. Representatives of the Unidos por el Agua civic platform reminded that authorities at different levels — from the Andalusian government to the Ministry for Ecological Transition — kept shifting responsibility to each other, and the problem was resolved only thanks to the rains. According to the activists, it became clear to many inhabitants that interest in the region only appears in the run-up to elections.
During his speech at the farm, the president once again touched on the issue of infrastructure, accusing the central authorities of a lack of investment and calling on them not to "strangle" the Los Pedroches economy. At that moment, a black cat crossed the farm's grounds, which did not go unnoticed amid discussions about superstitions and symbols. Morono joked that the animal changed its route, which he took as a good sign for his campaign.
The situation in Los Pedroches reflects a broader conflict between agricultural interests, infrastructure problems, and political priorities in Andalusia. As in other regions where environmental challenges and the aftermath of accidents influence public opinion, election campaigns become an opportunity to discuss real issues. For example, in Huelva, recent events have also become a source of disputes between residents and authorities, which is examined in detail in the report on the balance between agribusiness and nature conservation — more on the situation in Huelva.
For reference: Los Pedroches is one of the largest producers of milk and meat in Andalusia, home to around 80,000 people. In recent years, the region has repeatedly faced the effects of drought and water shortages, which has heightened social tension and made infrastructure issues a key topic in election campaigns.
