The President of the Government and Bildu are blamed for releasing 44 terrorists early, according to a message sent by the PP to its party members. The message directs recipients to a video of party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo on YouTube, where he explains the party’s error in supporting a reform that will allow ETA prisoners to discount time served outside of Spain, expediting their release. In the video, Feijóo admits the mistake but shifts blame to the Government, emphasizing the moral difference between a parliamentary error and deliberate actions to release convicted ETA prisoners to keep Sánchez in power.
Feijóo holds the President of the Government and the PSOE solely responsible for what he calls an “indignity” and an affront to the memory of terrorism victims. He warns that if the PSOE continues with this behavior, they will be remembered as the sole culprits throughout history. The party leader criticizes the Government for exploiting a EU directive to push through this “parliamentary trickery” of significant moral lowliness. However, the PP deputies involved in drafting the law had reportedly “carefully studied” the amendment regarding penalty convalidations, as confirmed by the Congressional record.
The PP’s message to its members reflects the party’s concern about the potential backlash from its base over this mistake, especially given their strong emphasis on defending terrorism victims. The party’s outrage over the early release of ETA prisoners is clear, and they are working to distance themselves from any responsibility for the situation, placing the blame squarely on the Government. The video message seeks to reassure party members that the PP is committed to fighting for justice and honoring the victims of terrorism, despite this legislative misstep.
While Feijóo concedes the party’s error in supporting the reform, he seeks to highlight the Government’s role in exploiting the situation for political gain. By framing it as a deliberate attempt to release convicted terrorists and maintain power, he aims to rally party members against the actions of the Government and Bildu. This messaging underscores the depth of the PP’s commitment to combating terrorism and upholding the memory of victims, while also acknowledging the need to address their own missteps in the process.
The emotional resonance of the issue of terrorism and the release of ETA prisoners is evident in the tone of Feijóo’s message and the party’s communication with its members. The desire to hold the Government accountable for what is seen as a dishonorable maneuver is a central theme, as is the ongoing commitment to supporting terrorism victims and their families. The party’s response to the situation reflects the complex political landscape in Spain, where issues of terrorism, memory, and justice are deeply intertwined with larger political dynamics and strategic maneuvering. Ultimately, the messaging from the party seeks to reassure its base of its continued dedication to fighting for justice and supporting victims, despite the challenges and missteps along the way.
