Spain's main opposition party, PP, has called for the resignation of Science Minister Diana Morant after she likened PP-Vox coalitions to Hitler's criminal governments. The dispute erupted during a heated debate on Valencia's regional budget.
The Partido Popular (PP) has escalated its criticism of Science Minister Diana Morant, demanding her immediate resignation after she compared the party's coalition agreements with Vox to the "criminal governments" of Adolf Hitler. The controversy broke out during a tense session in Valencia, where regional budget discussions included measures prioritizing national interests, a point agreed upon by PP and Vox.
Morant, who also leads the PSPV-PSOE in Valencia, made the remarks on TVE, drawing a parallel between the rise of Hitler's regime and the current political trajectory of PP under Alberto Núñez Feijóo. She argued that Feijóo was "drawing a path increasingly similar to those criminal governments like Hitler's," referencing the democratic origins of the Nazi regime before it became a dictatorship. Her comments came as the Valencian parliament approved the new budget, which incorporates the "national priority" clause promoted by the PP-Vox alliance.
The reaction from PP was swift and forceful. The party's official account on X condemned Morant's statements, insisting that comparing a political opponent to Hitler crosses an unacceptable line. PP leaders demanded a public apology and accused Morant of fueling division and disrespecting democratic values. Borja Sémper, a PP spokesperson, criticized the minister for lacking reasoned debate and for resorting to extreme comparisons, suggesting her remarks reflected desperation within the Socialist Party.
On Thursday, PP Secretary General Miguel Tellado intensified the party's stance, calling for Morant's resignation in a televised interview. Tellado argued that such statements are indicative of a political figure under severe pressure, both nationally and regionally. He maintained that these kinds of comparisons are unacceptable in Spanish political discourse and damage the credibility of the government.
While Morant's comments dominated headlines, Feijóo was simultaneously reviewing the political landscape shaped by recent PP-Vox coalitions in four autonomous communities. He reaffirmed his willingness to govern with Vox if mandated by general election results, describing his relationship with Vox leader Santiago Abascal as "correct, fluid, and courteous." Feijóo defended the "national priority" policy, now enshrined in Valencian law, as a measure to prioritize local ties when accessing public services. Tellado added that the policy aims to favor residents with established roots, noting that exceptions may be needed for Spaniards with high geographic mobility, such as military personnel.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over the normalization of PP-Vox alliances and the rhetoric used in Spain's polarized political climate. The "national priority" clause, now part of Valencia's budget law, reflects a broader trend of regional governments adopting measures that prioritize local residents in public service access. Such policies have sparked debate over their impact on social cohesion and the rights of mobile populations. The controversy surrounding Morant's remarks underscores the sensitivity of historical comparisons in Spanish politics, especially when referencing the Nazi era. As the debate continues, the incident may influence both the tone and substance of future political discourse in Spain.
