The former head of government José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero described aligning himself with the right as a bold move. EH Bildu had already signaled its arrival at the political center as the campaign heated up. He spoke about recent remarks that unsettled him and others that caused concern, yet he avoided anger, stressing that violence has no place. He voiced a clear view that ETA’s violence would end and urged respect for truth, memory, and justice before joining Villena with his associates in a meeting with local socio-sanitary and cultural groups alongside the Valencia region’s socialist mayor Fulgencio Cerdán and Laura Soler, the PSPV-PSOE candidate for Alicante’s courts.
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The discussion centered on how democracy allows broad freedom while upholding a shared truth, pointing out that after democracy’s great triumph twelve years had passed without violence. He questioned how international bodies like the United Nations and the European Union would view declarations that ETA was still present, arguing that such statements undermine the hard-won progress without altering laws or granting amnesty. He asserted that the only true narrative is the peace achieved through lawful measures, condemning the suggestion that pardons could erase the past.
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The former head of government argued for a common satisfaction among Spain’s political parties in the fight against ETA. He stated that united action against the terrorist organization would ensure that all parties endure the consequences and ultimately prevail. He added that the key point was not who governed at the time, and he left a reflective question hanging: would a PP-led government have joined in this effort? The point remains that unity mattered more than partisan gain.
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Regarding the Valencian Community elections, Zapatero expressed confidence in a progressive majority after 28-M, led by Ximo Puig, with renewal anticipated. He highlighted the political momentum building toward a more inclusive and forward-looking region.
Villena’s Treasure
Upon arriving in the Alto Vinalopó capital, Zapatero visited the Villena Treasure, inspired by its significance. He praised Villena’s potential to become a symbol not only for the province of Alicante but for the entire Valencian Community. He admired the city’s enduring appeal and emphasized that Villena deserved to be celebrated as a cultural beacon within the region.
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He spoke highly of the local leadership, especially the mayor and socialist mayor. He noted two key priorities that shaped his invitation: the dimension of Villena as a cultural capital and the importance of social inclusion. He underscored that a city attentive to culture and disability inclusion earns broader trust. Zapatero highlighted his ongoing work with disability advocacy groups and his commitment to empowering people with disabilities through regional initiatives.
Social networks
The former president engaged with delegations from Villena at the Espacio Joven in the late afternoon, reaffirming democratic values that mark advanced nations. He stated that human rights protect the vulnerable and that the best democracy is one that fights discrimination and includes minorities. He recalled the covid era lessons: public health as a national treasure and the speed of vaccination as proof of science’s global reach and lack of borders. He also touched on pension reform, the progress of the Dependency Law, and the regularization of migrant workers, noting that social networks require meaningful regulation to prevent societal decline.