The city of Monforte de Lemos lived this Monday one of the most conflictive plenary sessions of the year, since the treatment of the continuity of José Tomé as mayor after the allegations of sexual harassment became known. The councilor remains in officewhich will operate from the unaffiliated group from January 1.
The session that aimed to close the year It began with a demonstration by feminist groups, half an hour before the start, in the Plaza del Campo de San Antón, in front of the municipal headquarters, in which they asked for his resignation as mayor. Tomé governs with a majority after the PSOE won ten of the 17 seats (4 from the PP, 2 from the BNG and 1 from Esperta Monforte). Nearly A hundred neighbors participated in the rally.
Although the demonstration was called by the feminist group ‘World March of Mulleres’, different groups attended. They chanted phrases such as “if they touch one, they touch us all”, “Tomé resign, feminism does not admit you” and “sexists get out of the institutions”, among others. They demanded the presence of Tomé, whom they said “cannot be seen” and whom they called “slimy.”
The organization reported that, despite the open complaints, the councilor “has not assumed any type of political responsibility nor has it carried out an exercise in self-criticism”a circumstance that, in her opinion, contributes to “impunity for this type of behavior and leaves women in a situation of lack of protection.” In this sense, they highlight the need for public institutions to act firmly against sexist attitudes.
Tomé entered a room with a full capacity backed by the applause of those present shouting “cheer up” while the shouts against him continued outside without the protesters could enter when the room was full. Before beginning, he asked those present for silence and tranquility without expressing support or disapproval.
From the beginning PP and Esperta Monforte They intervened to demand the resignation of the mayor due to the “open institutional crisis” due to 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 a lack of stability in decision-making and made reference to the Nevenka case in Ponferradadisgracing those present that the victims continued to be blamed instead of the harassers.
Smart Monforte He criticized that he had not made any statement about the position or the transition to non-attachment of the members of the Government, since the plenary session It was celebrated with the councilors with the socialist act. He also asked for the resignation of the equality councilor and accused her of having brought the mayor’s supporters to the plenary session. The BNG stated that “Monforte’s name was tarnished” after 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, ensuring that they are not “complaints” but rather “communications of a situation” and stated that no one knows their content and “that the cart is being put before the oxen” in reference to accusations “of which it is not known if they are true.”
Tomé intervened saying that in June the PP already knew of the existence of the accusations from some journalists who told him that “I don’t know if the real instigators dared to bring it to light and the PP moved it.”“. The motions have been 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 people of Montfort with a statement in which he reiterated his innocence and once again rejected the idea of resigning. “The citizens elected all of us 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 explained.
“I was the subject of false, unfair and unfounded accusations that respond to a political maneuver. “I don’t know what I’m being accused of, which is a defenselessness not exempt from illegality.”he insisted, highlighting that his commitment is “with the city council and the Monfortinos, not with the PSOE”, a party that he “loves”, he added. “I have the trust of the people of Monfort and I am committed to continuing as mayor,” he stated.
Furthermore, he had harsh words against accusations and defended his willingness to give the pertinent explanations to whoever is necessary. Thus, he has reiterated the presumption of innocence. “He who did nothing has nothing to fear”, he insisted. Tomé thanked the neighbors for their support and assured that “everything is a matter of time” and that “the truth will be known.” “I am collateral damage of an issue that transcends the province,” he said.
Before adjourning the session – something 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 be effective from January 1. Furthermore, he has clarified that it is “in each person’s power” to switch to the unaffiliated group, in reference to the possible abandonment of the socialist group by the rest of the members of the local government.
