Madrid Government Delegate accuses regional leaders of silencing protests

Francisco Martín, the Spanish Government's delegate in Madrid, has accused Madrid President Isabel Díaz Ayuso and Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida of attempting to silence public protest. The accusations follow a ruling by the Madrid High Court of Justice (TSJM), which rejected precautionary measures requested by the Community of Madrid to evict a protest camp located in Puerta del Sol.

The regional government had sought the eviction by alleging administrative inactivity on the part of the Government delegate. However, the court denied the petition and found no such inactivity. Martín countered that the real inactivity lies with Ayuso and Almeida regarding the implementation of housing policies.

The protest camp formed in response to demonstrations following the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen, who passed away this Wednesday. Martín stated his responsibility is to ensure legal compliance, protect the fundamental right to assembly, and maintain public safety.