Ana Pontón, the national spokesperson for the BNG (Bloque Nacionalista Galego), has called for a united Galician vote in the upcoming general elections on 29 November. Speaking in Vigo, she emphasised the importance of consolidating support for the BNG to strengthen Galicia's political presence and to promote rights and dignity for its citizens.
“We appeal to gather all Galician votes, all votes of those who are fed up with more spending on military politics than on social policies,” Pontón stated. She stressed the need for voters to support the BNG to ensure that Galicia's interests are represented effectively, highlighting that a strong electoral result for the BNG is essential for defending the lives of Galicians.
Pontón made her remarks during the presentation of the BNG's candidacy for Pontevedra, alongside Carme da Silva, the lead candidate for Congress in the province, and municipal spokesperson Xabier Pérez Igrexas. She outlined three key messages for the upcoming elections.
Political weight and solutions for Galicia
The first message focused on the political weight Galicia stands to gain in the elections. Pontón noted that to address the region's pressing issues, such as transport and infrastructure, it is vital to increase political influence in Madrid. “If we want solutions to our problems, we must support the BNG, which has the freedom to defend Galician interests,” she reiterated.
She pointed out that with just one deputy and one senator, the BNG has successfully advanced Galician issues at the national level, achieving significant benefits for thousands, including reductions in tolls on major roads and improvements in public transport and pensions. “However, this is not enough; we need more political weight to ensure Galicia is not overlooked,” she summarised.
Advancing rights and freedoms
Pontón's second message highlighted the BNG as the alternative for those seeking to expand rights and freedoms during a challenging time marked by significant economic interests. She stressed the necessity for real solutions to pressing issues, such as housing access and the rising cost of living. “We must push for alternatives that prioritise people's lives and implement effective measures to address the problems that keep many awake at night,” she explained.
Consolidating support for housing policies
Carme da Silva, in her address, was particularly critical of the housing policies of major Madrid-based parties. She accused the Popular Party (PP) of having “destroyed public housing policy” during its tenure in the Xunta (Galician government), halting the construction of protected housing and failing to mobilise vacant properties.
Da Silva highlighted the disparity in Vigo, where thousands of properties are allocated for tourist use, while only 300 are available for residential rental, with over 11,000 people waiting for protected housing. She questioned whether Feijóo, the PP leader, could justify his record on housing.
Furthermore, she blamed the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) for maintaining insufficient housing policies, merely enacting decrees “at the last minute” while public housing promotion remains largely a slogan. She contrasted the €8.25 billion allocated for military spending by the Spanish government with the mere €201 million for housing, condemning the prioritisation of military expenditure over basic rights.
In conclusion, both Pontón and da Silva called for a united Galician front to ensure that public funds are directed towards ensuring a dignified life for all Galicians, rather than military pursuits. Pérez Igrexas underscored the crucial role of Vigo in the BNG's strategy, highlighting the importance of local candidates and the involvement of the city's youth in the upcoming elections.
