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Discrimination and the Roma Community 2014
Gonzalo Robles Orozco
Secretary for Social Participation of the People’s Party
1. Does racial or ethnic discrimination exist in Spain?
Spain has made considerable progress in recent decades
to eradicate all forms of discrimination, based on race or
gender. There is always room for improvement and this is
the path that the People’s Party wants to take because we
do not believe that one’s ethnic group or physical char-
acteristics make them superior or inferior to anyone else.
In our view, all citizens are equal and our polices target
them, while paying particular attention to the most disad-
vantaged for whatever reason. We hold periodic meetings
with representatives of all citizens in the institutions where
we have representation and in our party. We listen to their
demands and complaints and try to respond through
measures to improve their situation.
2. What are your concerns in the sphere of social rejec-
tion of the Roma community in Spain?
The main aspect that needs to improve may be integra-
tion. Integration in two different directions: from the rest
of the society that needs to accept the Roma communi-
ty as an essential part of our society and from the Roma
Community by showing its willingness to form part of the
society. This brings us to the issue of everyone’s rights
and duties. The possible social rejection some people feel
may be more due to cultural issues and a certain degree
of ignorance and also to the image often portrayed in the
media, rather than to real rejection of the Roma commu-
nity. In the view of PP, the key is integration. In fact, the
Roma community has publicly supported the policies of
our party on numerous occasions with a view to improv-
ing co-existence among all Spaniards.
3. How can a political leader contribute to promoting
equality?
By working and engaging everyone in dialogue, without
exception. We do not believe that there is a generalised
social conflict between the Roma community and the
rest of society, but it is important to continue with in-
tegration policies and to foster training so that in the
future the Roma Community is not left out of our sys-
tem with all that that would imply.
4. If Parliament were a true reflection of social plurality,
there should be 7 Roma Members of Parliament and
5 Senators, without even mentioning the lack of re-
presentation in regional and local government. What
steps need to be taken to address this lack of de-
mocratic representation?
The People’s Party has never advocated a quota system.
We do not believe that percentages are a true reflection of
plurality. We believe that the people who represent PP do
so with their work, their worth and their commitment to the
citizens. In PP we pay no attention to whether our mem-
bers are men or women or Roma or from any other ethnic
group. In fact we have had Roma candidates in our party.
Education from a very early age is key for the integration
of this community and that goes hand-in-hand with their
participation at all levels of society, including politics.
5. Are you familiar with the situation of Roma women?
Do you think they are subject to multiple discrimi-
nation in Spain?
The People’s Party has met with representatives of the
Roma community on many occasions and our meetings
have always been productive. This is a complex issue
because we have deeply rooted traditions mixed with
the desire to form part of a society that is advancing
swiftly. The best balance would be for this community
to keep its traditions, which are part of Spanish culture,
while also integrating in society following the educa-
tional parameters of the rest of society thus allowing
them to reach positions of responsibility in all areas.
Our society is sometimes inclined to discriminatory
behaviour against that which is different or unknown. It
is therefore vitally important for Roma women to de-
velop professional careers in all areas, just like any other
woman in our society.
Nevertheless, I would note that Spanish Roma women
are a role model in Europe. They are pioneers and are
prioritising education for their daughters, to the point
that they are leaving Roma men behind. Many of them
have a university education and are in a position to de-
velop fruitful professional careers.
Today there are active enterprising women with a great
deal of initiative in the sphere of social participation. At
national and regional level there are educated women
engaging in different professions (lawyers, teachers,
social workers, administrative assistants, business peo-
ple...) who serve as an example and spark change.
Education is the cornerstone of advancement of Roma
women and this is where we see the greatest progress.
Their expectations have evolved and they now put a high-
er priority on education. No longer are schools considered
alien and hostile; they now represent new opportunities.
They are also leading an important associative move-
ment and are involved in European fora where their
voice is heard loud and clear.
The People’s Party supports the Roma People and
works with them to achieve their full integration.