Madrid, 2 April 2024 (SPS) - The Spanish political party Podemos has reiterated its support for the United Nations' efforts to organize a referendum for self-determination in Western Sahara, expressing rejection of the idea proposed by the Socialist Party (PSOE) to bend to the interests of other countries.
Members of the Basque Parliament and Podemos party, Leticia Jiménez, Isa Gonzalez, and Miren Gorrotxategi, as well as the spokesperson for the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council, Garbine Ruiz, recently met with representatives of Sahrawi associations in the Basque Country, in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the province of Alava.
During this meeting, Ms. Gorrotxategi described the actions of the Spanish government as "unacceptable" for prioritizing the interests of the Moroccan monarchy and thereby "betraying the Sahrawi people who are being used as bargaining chips," as stated in a Podemos press release.
"We support the UN's position, which recognizes the right to self-determination of the Sahrawi people. And as a left-wing party, we never change our ideals, whether we are in opposition or in government," she insisted.
"For us, pursuing left-wing politics means placing our convictions of solidarity, justice, and peace above false interests," added Miren Gorrotxategi.
On the other hand, Bibenno Mohamed Fadel, from the Association of Daughters of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro, expressed great appreciation for Podemos' invitation to raise awareness about the Sahrawi cause.
Bibenno Mohamed Fadel called on "all political parties, especially Podemos, which has always stood with us and fought for our cause, to continue fighting with us hand in hand to free Western Sahara."