Call to Resign by the Socialist Party
The Socialist Party of Cantabria (PSC-PSOE) has demanded the resignation of the Minister of Livestock and Rural Affairs, Pablo Palencia, after learning that he did not present his declarations of activity, assets and personal income tax within the established period. The general secretary of the PSC-PSOE, Pablo Zuloaga, has questioned the counselor’s motivations and has pointed out his inability to hold the position.
Breach of Obligations
The General Inspection of Services of the Government of Cantabria warned Palencia for not presenting the required declarations, an obligation for senior officials when assuming their duties. The report also revealed that Palencia had not submitted his income tax return (IRPF) for the previous year.
Negative Background
Zuloaga recalled the negative background of Palencia, who was appointed despite having outstanding debts with public administrations and having been suspended by the College of Veterinarians of Cantabria. The socialist leader has questioned Palencia’s suitability to lead the Ministry of Livestock, pointing out his ineffective management in recent months.
Reaction of the Regionalist Party of Cantabria (PRC)
The PRC spokesperson on Primary Sector matters, Guillermo Blanco, has also spoken out about the situation, asking the president of Cantabria, María José Sáenz de Buruaga, to evaluate Palencia’s continuity in office. Blanco has highlighted the status of pending payments to ranchers and has described Palencia as ‘delinquent’ and ‘disastrous manager’.
Lack of Payments to Livestock Farmers
Blanco has denounced that several lines of aid have not been granted in 2023, which has generated losses for ranchers. Furthermore, revenue from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), an essential complement to farmers’ income, has yet to be realized, despite the increasing expenses they face.
Responsibility of the President
Blanco has emphasized that the decision to keep or dismiss Palencia rests with President Sáenz de Buruaga, who appointed him to the position. He has pointed out that Palencia has been failed in record time and has questioned his credibility and his ability to manage the livestock sector.
