THE town of Monforte de Lemos This Monday he experienced one of the most conflicting plenary sessions of the year, since the treatment reserved for the continuity of José Tomé as mayor was expected after the allegations of sexual harassment against him became known. The advisor remains in officewhich will operate from the unaffiliated group starting January 1.
THE session which aimed to close the year It began with a demonstration by feminist groups, half an hour before departure, in the Plaza del Campo de San Antón, in front of the municipal headquarters, during which they demanded his resignation from his post as mayor. Tomé governs with the majority after the PSOE won ten of the 17 seats (4 for the PP, 2 for the BNG and 1 for Esperta Monforte). Almost About a hundred neighbors participated in the rally.
Although the demonstration was called by the feminist group “Mulleres World March”, different groups were present. They chanted phrases such as “if they affect one, they affect us all”, “Tomé resign, feminism does not admit you” and “sexists leave institutions”, among others. They demanded the presence of Tomé, whom they called “invisible” and whom they treated as “slimy”.
The organization reported that, despite open complaints, the counselor “did not assume any political responsibility and did not exercise self-criticism”a circumstance which, according to her, contributes to “impunity for this type of behavior and leaves women in a situation of lack of protection”. In this sense, they emphasize the need for public institutions to act firmly against sexist attitudes.
Tomé entered a packed room to the applause of those present shouting “take courage” while the cries against him continued outside without the demonstrators could enter when the room was full. Before beginning, he asked those present for silence and quiet without expressing support or disapproval.
From the start PP and Esperta Monforte They intervened to demand the resignation of the mayor due to the “open institutional crisis” due to the accusations of sexual harassment.
Joint debate on motions
The two motions calling for Tomé’s resignation as mayor were debated together. after accusations of sexual harassment. The PP accused the socialist of lack of stability in decision-making and referred to the Nevenka case in Ponferradawhich dishonored those present, as the victims continued to be blamed instead of the harassers.
Esperta Monforte He criticized the fact that he had not made any statement on the position or the transition to non-registered members of the Government, since the plenary session It was celebrated with the councilors with the socialist act. He also demanded the resignation of the equality councilor and accused her of bringing the mayor’s supporters to the plenary session. The BNG said Monforte’s “name was tarnished” following the complaints and demanded his resignation, just as he did in the deputation and in the PSOE.
The PSOE defends Tomé
The PSOE defended Tomé’s innocence and accused the PP of opportunism, assuring that these were not “complaints” but rather “situational communications” and declared that no one knows their content and “that the cart is put before the horse” in reference to accusations “of which we do not know if they are true”.
Tomé intervened saying that in June the PP already knew of the existence of the accusations of certain journalists who told him that “I don’t know if the real instigators dared to bring it to light and if the PP moved it.”“. The motions were rejected with seven votes in favor and 10 against.
Tomé: “The Monfortinos chose us”
Shortly before the end of the plenary session, Tomé addressed the councilors and the population of Montfort with a statement in which he reiterated his innocence and once again rejected the idea of resigning. “The citizens elected us all to the city council. In the deputation, it is an indirect election. “That’s why in one place I resigned and in another I didn’t,” he said.
“I have been the subject of false, unfair and unfounded accusations which are the result of a political maneuver. “I don’t know what I’m being accused of, it’s a helplessness that is not exempt from illegality.”he insisted, emphasizing that his commitment is “with the town hall and the Monfortinos, not with the PSOE”, a party that he “loves”, he added. “I have the confidence of the citizens of Monfort and I am determined to continue being mayor,” he declared.
In addition, he made harsh remarks against the accusations and defended his willingness to give the relevant explanations to anyone. Thus, he reiterated the presumption of innocence. “He who has done nothing has nothing to fear,” he insisted.. Tomé thanked the neighbors for their support and assured that “everything is a question of time” and that “the truth will be known”. “I am the collateral damage of a problem that transcends the province,” he said.
Before adjourning the session – which he did to applause – the mayor indicated that he had already registered his abandonment of the socialist municipal group and his move to the unaffiliated group, which will come into force on January 1. In addition, he clarified that it is “in everyone’s power” to move to the non-affiliated group, in reference to the possible abandonment of the socialist group by the rest of the members of the local government.
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