Ayuso and the dismantling of public services in Madrid
Ayuso's management in Madrid sparks criticism: overwhelmed healthcare, universities in crisis and care homes without justice. Data and cases that open the debate.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
The silent dismantling of public services in Madrid[SIZE]
In Madrid, the average rent for a flat exceeds 1,500 euros. That is what, according to circulating data, an assistant doctor at a public university earns. The paradox is clear: a region that boasts of being Spain's economic engine has its researchers on the brink of being unable to afford rent. Meanwhile, the public healthcare system is faltering and elderly care homes still await justice.
Healthcare: the 12 de Octubre hospital, the perfect example
The 12 de Octubre hospital, one of the largest in Madrid, is "practically without medical staff", according to complaints that have gone viral. The strategy would be to let public services fail in order to justify their privatisation, as argued in the debate. The lack of staff is not accidental; it is the result of a policy of cuts that prioritises subcontracting and concessions to private companies such as Quirón Salud, which benefits from public budgets. The case of the care homes is even darker: there is talk of protocols that would have caused deaths and that could expire in March, according to the Marea de Residencias, which is urging the Prosecutor's Office to act.
The legal case: Ayuso's partner and the leaks
The investigation into the president's partner, Alberto González Amador, for alleged tax offences, has brought to light the complex network of relations between the justice system and political power. The leak of his email, with more than 500 people having access to the case, has led the Supreme Court to see a crime in the publication of the UCO report that implicated the State Attorney General. The socialist Juan Lobato, who registered his mobile phone before a notary, has become a key figure in this battle over the narrative. Meanwhile, the judge investigating the president, Judge Peinado, has not been questioned over the illegal construction of a chalet, according to complaints.
Public university: the final assault
At university, the situation is critical. An assistant doctor earns 1,500 euros, while the average rent in Madrid is similar. The result is that researchers leave for other regions or abroad. Privatisation is presented as the only way out, but what is hidden is a planned dismantling. Private universities flourish, but they do not guarantee the same quality or access. The regional president himself, in his day, received an award from the Complutense University, which is now being questioned. Public education is becoming a business, as is already seen in other countries.
The role of the media: the manipulation of polls
Media outlets close to the regional government have no qualms about manipulating data. The case of Marhuenda's polls, with errors such as 103/105 vs 48/50, is an example of disinformation. Journalism becomes propaganda at the service of a narrative that tries to hide reality. The regional television station, TeleAyuso, never talks about these problems; it only applauds the president's measures.
The question is inevitable: how long will Madrid residents tolerate this drift?
The data point to a worrying deterioration of public services, while political and economic power become intertwined. Time is running out: the statute of limitations for crimes in care homes is imminent, and the public university is emptying. If something does not change, Madrid will become an example of how neoliberalism devours what was once common. What will citizens be willing to sacrifice before reacting?[/SIZE]
In Madrid, the average rent for a flat exceeds 1,500 euros. That is what, according to circulating data, an assistant doctor at a public university earns. The paradox is clear: a region that boasts of being Spain's economic engine has its researchers on the brink of being unable to afford rent. Meanwhile, the public healthcare system is faltering and elderly care homes still await justice.
Healthcare: the 12 de Octubre hospital, the perfect example
The 12 de Octubre hospital, one of the largest in Madrid, is "practically without medical staff", according to complaints that have gone viral. The strategy would be to let public services fail in order to justify their privatisation, as argued in the debate. The lack of staff is not accidental; it is the result of a policy of cuts that prioritises subcontracting and concessions to private companies such as Quirón Salud, which benefits from public budgets. The case of the care homes is even darker: there is talk of protocols that would have caused deaths and that could expire in March, according to the Marea de Residencias, which is urging the Prosecutor's Office to act.
The legal case: Ayuso's partner and the leaks
The investigation into the president's partner, Alberto González Amador, for alleged tax offences, has brought to light the complex network of relations between the justice system and political power. The leak of his email, with more than 500 people having access to the case, has led the Supreme Court to see a crime in the publication of the UCO report that implicated the State Attorney General. The socialist Juan Lobato, who registered his mobile phone before a notary, has become a key figure in this battle over the narrative. Meanwhile, the judge investigating the president, Judge Peinado, has not been questioned over the illegal construction of a chalet, according to complaints.
Public university: the final assault
At university, the situation is critical. An assistant doctor earns 1,500 euros, while the average rent in Madrid is similar. The result is that researchers leave for other regions or abroad. Privatisation is presented as the only way out, but what is hidden is a planned dismantling. Private universities flourish, but they do not guarantee the same quality or access. The regional president himself, in his day, received an award from the Complutense University, which is now being questioned. Public education is becoming a business, as is already seen in other countries.
The role of the media: the manipulation of polls
Media outlets close to the regional government have no qualms about manipulating data. The case of Marhuenda's polls, with errors such as 103/105 vs 48/50, is an example of disinformation. Journalism becomes propaganda at the service of a narrative that tries to hide reality. The regional television station, TeleAyuso, never talks about these problems; it only applauds the president's measures.
The question is inevitable: how long will Madrid residents tolerate this drift?
The data point to a worrying deterioration of public services, while political and economic power become intertwined. Time is running out: the statute of limitations for crimes in care homes is imminent, and the public university is emptying. If something does not change, Madrid will become an example of how neoliberalism devours what was once common. What will citizens be willing to sacrifice before reacting?[/SIZE]
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (2060 replies).
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