An unexpected change in the mayor’s office of Ribera d’Ondara
Ribera d’Ondara, a municipality in La Segarra, experienced an unexpected change in its mayor’s office last March. Following a motion of no confidence, Acord per Ribera d’Ondara spokesperson Elisabet Jové took over as mayor, but she soon went on maternity leave. Consequently, Albert Puig, Aliança Catalana councillor, became mayor.
Controversial statement from the mayor
Recently, the accidental mayor, Albert Puig, generated controversy by accusing the LGTBI community of being ‘the biggest problem in the country’. In a message on social networks, he expressed that this group ‘is not welcome’ in the town and pointed them out as responsible for ‘destroying society.’ These statements unleashed an avalanche of criticism, but Puig refused to rectify, defending his right to freedom of expression.
Reactions and rectification
The leader of Aliança Catalana, Sílvia Orriols, urged the mayor to be expelled from the party, reaffirming the party’s commitment to the rights and interests of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation. Under pressure, Mayor Puig finally rectified, apologizing for his words and acknowledging the damage they caused.