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Putting discrimination in context
Ramón Jauregui Atondo
Member of the European Parliament PSOE (Socialist Party)
1. Does racial or ethnic discrimination exist in Spain?
Yes, but it is less obvious than in other countries. As
Spaniards we accept people who are different, we re-
spect them, require that their rights be respected but
we do not live as equals.
2. What are your concerns in the sphere of social rejec-
tion of the Roma community in Spain?
What concerns me the most is the negative and often
disparaging opinion that many people in Spanish soci-
ety have of the Roma community.
3. How can a political leader contribute to promoting
equality?
With speeches, declarations and pedagogy. With initia-
tives and proposals to promote full equality.
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?
It is up to the Roma community to make itself present
in public representative fora. If a Roma person joins a
political party and presents his/her candidacy for coun-
cillor or parliament, s/he would not face any discrim-
ination. But unfortunately, very few members of that
community participate in politics and in political parties.
5. Are you familiar with the situation of Roma women?
Do you think they are subject to multiple discrimi-
nation in Spain?
I believe that Roma women are, first and foremost,
women and as such have to fight for equality just like
any other woman. I also think that women from the Roma
community have to wage a particular fight for equality
against habits, customs and internal laws that discrimi-
nate against them or subject them to male-dominated
codes of conduct.