Galician Government Faces Backlash Over Handling of Sexual Assault Allegation

Galicia's Political Turmoil: Opposition Demands Answers on Sexual Assault Allegation Against Former Minister. Galicia is facing political tension following a sexual assault complaint against former Fisheries Minister Alfonso Villares. The opposition parties, BNG and PSdG, demanded that President Alfonso Rueda appear before the parliament to explain the government's handling of the case. However, the ruling PPdeG, using its majority, blocked the request. Olalla Rodil, the BNG's vice-spokesperson, criticized the government's actions, referring to a photograph of Rueda embracing Villares the day after his resignation as a "photo of shame." She stated, "It is indecent to treat the alleged assailant as a national hero and to sow doubt about the complainant." Elena Espinosa, the PSdG's vice-spokesperson, added, "It cannot be allowed that the President of the Xunta hid the information for months and months," The PPdeG's spokesperson, Alberto Pazos, argued that the president had already sufficiently addressed the issue. This incident exposes a deep divide within Galician politics and raises questions about transparency and accountability.