José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Madrid's mayor, views the extraordinary plenary requested by Más Madrid and PSOE as an opportunity to clarify the controversial agreement with Vox on 'post-abortion syndrome'. From Brussels, where he is receiving an award for the Puerta de Alcalá restoration, the mayor admits a communication error that caused confusion. He insists no woman will be forced to receive information on this non-scientific category.
José Luis Martínez-Almeida arrived in Brussels amid the aftermath of the Hispanic Day celebrations and the news that Más Madrid and PSOE had requested an extraordinary plenary to revoke the PP-Vox agreement from the September 30 municipal session. That pact, on informing women about 'post-abortion syndrome,' triggered a political crisis that has even affected PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo.
The mayor, attending the European Week of Cities and Regions, received the award for the Puerta de Alcalá restoration. There, he stated the plenary is not a tension but 'an extraordinary opportunity to give the necessary explanations.' He admitted: 'It seemed we were accepting Vox's argument regarding a scientific category that does not exist.' He added: 'What led to misunderstanding and confusion on our part, which I admit, was that it seemed we were assuming Vox's argument.'
Since returning from paternity leave, Almeida has faced slips, such as his stance on Gaza or the reversal on Alcalá Street's boulevard. In the plenary, he anticipates attacks from both sides: 'Some will say we are complexed and others that we are against women.' His goal is to clarify that the intent was 'to improve information channels, not to force any woman.' In Brussels, he proposed to the European Commission vice-president an increase in direct funds to cities and direct interlocution with institutions. Today he continues his agenda before returning to Madrid to face the session.