Catalina Cirer: "The decision was well thought out; my political career ends after 32 years."

PalmCatalina Cirer said goodbye this Friday to more than three decades of experience in the PP. "The decision was well thought out; my political career is coming to an end after 32 years," she explained at a press conference just after the president, Marga Prohens, announced the reshuffle of the government and her departure as Minister of Families and Social Affairs. "It's a trivial day for many people, but for me it's important," said Cirer, visibly moved: "On June 22, 1993, I joined the government at the hands of President Gabriel Cañellas." This Friday, she left without specifying the reasons that led her to leave before the end of her term, although, when questioned by journalists, she specified that they could be considered both personal and ideological. Cirer has been one of the ministers targeted by Vox for her moderate stance on issues such as feminism and immigration.

Cirer served as a councilor under Cañellas, a Spanish government delegate from 1996 to 2003—following José María Aznar's victory—and as the first female mayor in Palma's history (2003-2007). She was also a member of the island's parliament on the Consell de Mallorca (2011-2015). The councilor said goodbye accompanied by all members of the executive, who presented her with a gift. She apologized: "To all the people, entities, and collaborators with whom I failed to live up to their expectations or failed to behave or react appropriately." "There was no intention to harm anyone, but rather issues of character, nerves, tension, or difficulties that were difficult to deal with," she explained.

She also thanked the PP, "starting with Cañelles and ending with Prohens, to all our fellow travelers," and also "to the citizens" who elected her mayor of Palma. He refused to comment on Vox when asked by journalists: "Just as we are from Mallorca, we are from the PP, and I'm not going to talk about any other party." And he has entrusted his replacement, the current Congress member Sandra Fernández, with finishing the pending work in the Ministry. "I would like the waiting lists for disability and dependency to be in a better state; it's a thorn in my side that I carry with me," he explained. With his departure from the Executive, the last exponent of the Canyellism active.