Pedro Casares, the Spanish government’s delegate in Cantabria and leader of the region’s Socialist Party, has filed a complaint with the Civil Guard against David Setién, a Popular Party councillor in Ruesga, over an alleged verbal and physical assault on Sunday.
The incident reportedly took place around midday in the church square in Arredondo, during a goat competition held as part of the town’s traditional All Saints livestock fair. Casares was there on an official visit and, according to the regional government delegation, was waiting to greet the mayor and take part in an information programme when Setién confronted him over his policies on wolf protection. The delegation says the confrontation was followed by an alleged slap.
The complaint is consistent with the account of a security officer who intervened, the delegation said. The officer’s testimony will be added to the complaint, alongside a report routinely completed by the National Police agents assigned to protect the government delegate.
The outlet said it was unable to reach Setién for comment. The People’s Party in Cantabria declined to comment on the incident.
In a statement, the regional government delegation described the reported events as a serious breach of democratic coexistence and respect for political pluralism. It also called for the constitutional values of freedom, justice, equality and political pluralism to be upheld.
Sources: elDiario.es.