Juan Manuel Moreno and María Jesús Montero kicked off the Andalusian pre-campaign on Sunday by clashing over healthcare management, with claims of public service dismantling and hoax privatization allegations. Moreno acknowledged room for improvement in waiting lists, while Montero pledged to cut appointment times. The issue dominates the May 17 elections.
Juan Manuel Moreno, president of the Andalusian Junta, defended his healthcare management on Sunday in Córdoba amid left-wing criticism. He admitted there is "room for improvement" and attributed waiting lists—over one million patients, including 200,000 for surgery with an average of 173 days, Spain's highest—to greater transparency. He dismissed privatization claims as a "hoax" and highlighted the budget rise from under €9 billion in 2019 to €16.2 billion now.
Accompanied by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, Moreno accused socialists of previously hiding waiting lists. Meanwhile, María Jesús Montero in Gibraleón with Pedro Sánchez warned of the "dismantling of public services" and pledged initial measures: primary care within 24 hours, diagnostic tests in 30 days, and surgeries within six months.
Antonio Maíllo of Por Andalucía, also in Córdoba, labeled the PP model "classist" and a "scam," stating public healthcare "cannot withstand a third PP term." The debate arises amid issues like breast cancer screening errors affecting 2,317 women.
