Chiara Nava Spanish MEP Irene Montero delivered a forceful speech at the European Parliament , criticizing some political representatives for their response to the riots and vandalism that occurred during protests in Italy and Spain . The politician took aim at what she considers selective indignation: great attention to the damage to public property and monuments, but little sensitivity to the economic and social hardships that affect citizens on a daily basis.
Among those targeted was the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa . " They're really angry about a burned-out dumpster ," Montero said, contrasting the condemnation of the damage with the need, in his view, to address issues such as the cost of living, the housing crisis, and inequality.
Irene Montero: The housing emergency and family difficulties
In his speech, Montero drew attention to rising prices, the difficulty of paying rent, and the phenomenon of evictions . To underscore his arguments, he cited the case of Maricarmen, presenting it as an example of people at risk of losing their homes.
The MEP challenged what she believes to be an imbalance in the priorities of the European political debate : on the one hand, the condemnation of the damage caused during the demonstrations, and on the other, according to her analysis, an insufficient response to the problems that impact the lives of many families.
His speech thus fits into the debate on the causes of social unrest and the responsibilities of institutions in ensuring dignified living conditions . Montero argued that the issue cannot be addressed by simply condemning incidents of vandalism, without addressing the economic hardship that fuels the distress.
Criticism of war spending: "You're the problem."
The MEP's criticism also extended to European governments' public spending choices . Montero argued that resources that could be allocated to pensions, healthcare, and education are instead being used to finance war , calling into question the European Union's political and economic priorities.
Her reasoning therefore contrasts investments in public services and social support with resources allocated to military spending. This position reflects her criticism of the choices made by some governments and the consequences they, she believes, have on the most vulnerable segments of the population.
The speech concluded with a direct accusation against the political representatives involved: "You are the problem ." These words summarize Montero's position, according to which the institutional response should not stop at condemning the unrest, but also focus on the economic and social causes of the discontent.