The PSOE now emphasizes the “mismanagement” of the National Center for Sociological Research (CNIO) on the PP. The socialists have avoided accepting any form of responsibility for the alleged irregularities revealed by ABC and which affect the Ministry of Science and Innovation. … and universities directed by Diana Morant.
During the plenary session of the Senate, the Popular Party proposed a motion on “control measures at the National Research Center” with which it seeks to “restore the institutional credibility” of the public body and to “make it clear that cancer research cannot be managed from opacity“. The Lower House will approve the motion thanks to the absolute majority available to the People’s Party.
The senator of the Popular Parliamentary Group Elena Castillo recognized that the objective of this proposal is not “political revenge” against the socialists, although a few minutes later she considered the CNIO scandals as “a direct consequence” of the PSOE’s way of governing. After that, he criticized Morant for not taking responsibility and making excuses for his behavior. “symbolic charge” within the research center. For the popular, the minister occupies a “position with real responsibilities”, experienced “internal alerts” and decided “not to act”. “He claims to be an example of ethics but he only reacts when the scandal is no longer possible to hide, these scandals accumulate,” said Castillo, adding that socialist women “should have their stomachs turned” by the latest information published on the CNIO and the cases of sexual harassment in formation. For the popular, Morant practices “political deafness” to avoid taking responsibility.
Less than a week ago, the minister went before the Science, Innovation and Universities Commission of the Congress of Deputies to respond to the actions of her ministry in this crisis. Morant did not answer the questions of Vox deputies, he undermined the questions presented by the popular, he avoided accepting the existence of irregularities and denied any responsibility on his part or the portfolio he holds.
The PSOE will “persecute” those responsible if the facts are proven
Vox’s Fernando Carbonell tried to promote an amendment to the motion to also include the minister’s disapproval in the proposal and “conduct the necessary investigations to purge and demand accountability.” As noted, this movement seeks to use existing “evidence” to avoid “diminishing the demand for accountability.” “When it comes to public money, the facts, the technical reports are valid and only in this way is the institutional truth constructed,” Carbonell said. The people did not accept the amendment of those of Santiago Abascal.
The Socialist Parliamentary Group, represented by David Matute, referred to Morant’s appearance at Congress to emphasize the importance that socialists attach to what happened and to underline their commitment to “investigate carefully”. Matute also recalled that the CNIO Board of Directors is made up of the direct body, elective members such as the BBVA Foundation and four autonomous communities, all governed by the PP. Therefore, according to the socialist, accusing Morant of running the research center while the most popular occupy a position in decision-making shows a “distortion of the facts.” It is also regrettable that those of Alberto Núñez Feijóo criticize the “mismanagement” of the public body when they are part of the board of directors. Despite this, they showed their “firm commitment to investigate thoroughly” and, “if irregularities are proven”, to pursue “forcefully” those responsible.
About The Author
