Introduction
The article initially intended to address the irresponsibility of federal deputy Cuauhtémoc Blanco, who was spotted on vacation in Milan, Italy, during the start of an extraordinary session in Congress while a sexual abuse case against his half-sibling was pending. However, the author decided to refrain from criticizing Blanco due to fear of potential legal repercussions, especially considering his status as a national football hero. This decision leads us to explore the broader context of corruption and political paradoxes in Spain.
The Fear of Retaliation
In the given text, the author confesses to avoiding criticism of Blanco out of fear that he might face a lawsuit for exposing information, even if the author is certain but lacks proof. This fear stems from Blanco’s protected status as a national football hero, which could incite the wrath of top football administrators Mikel Arriola and Ivar Sisniega, both of whom are more familiar with the round shape of a ball and green dollars than football strategies.
Historical Context: Don Quixote and the Troubles of Companions
To provide context, the author draws a parallel with Don Quixote and Sancho Panza from Miguel de Cervantes’ classic novel. In Chapter XIII of the second part, while Don Quixote and Sancho recount their adventures, their squires complain about the hardships they endure accompanying the nobleman. This analogy illustrates the challenges faced by those closely associated with powerful yet potentially misguided individuals.
The Wisdom of Sancho Panza
Sancho’s response to the squire of the “Caballero del Bosque” highlights resilience in the face of adversity: “No hay camino tan llano que no tenga algún tropezón o barranco; en otras casas cuecen habas, y en la mía a calderadas.” This proverb, meaning that everyone encounters obstacles regardless of their path, has transcended time and remains relevant today.
Contemporary Corruption in Spain
The article then shifts to present-day Spain, where a corruption scandal has rocked the government of the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), which took power in 2019 with a pledge to combat corruption. The investigation involves Secretary of Organization for the PSOE, Santos Cerdán León; former Minister of Transportation (2018-2021), José Luis Ábalos; and his former advisor, Koldo García. They are accused of accepting bribes totaling 620,000 euros in exchange for awarding railway contracts, road construction projects, and medical equipment purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Political Paradoxes and the Future of Pedro Sánchez
Ironically, six years after a corruption scandal toppled the People’s Party (PP) government, another investigation threatens the PSOE’s foundation. The author poses the question: Can President Pedro Sánchez navigate this crisis?
Conclusion and Reflection on Censorship
The article concludes by subtly addressing the theme of censorship in Mexico, echoing the words of Carlos Monsiváis: “There are political characters who aren’t against liberties but against their exercise.” This reminder underscores the importance of free expression and the challenges faced by those who dare to criticize powerful figures.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main topic of the article? The article discusses corruption in Spain, focusing on a recent scandal involving the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and its potential implications for President Pedro Sánchez.
- Who are the key figures involved in the Spanish corruption scandal? Santos Cerdán León (PSOE Secretary of Organization), José Luis Ábalos (former Minister of Transportation), and Koldo García (Ábalos’ former advisor) are accused of accepting bribes related to infrastructure projects and medical equipment procurement.
- Why did the author initially refrain from criticizing Cuauhtémoc Blanco? The author feared potential legal repercussions due to Blanco’s protected status as a national football hero, which could incite the wrath of top football administrators.
- What historical parallel does the author draw to provide context? The author uses Don Quixote and Sancho Panza’s relationship from Miguel de Cervantes’ novel to illustrate the challenges faced by those closely associated with powerful yet potentially misguided individuals.
- What is the significance of Sancho Panza’s proverb? Sancho’s proverb, “No hay camino tan llano que no tenga algún tropezón o barranco,” highlights the universal nature of obstacles and resilience in the face of adversity.
