MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the harassment of democratic political parties in Spain

11.1.2021

pursuant to Rule 143 of the Rules of Procedure

Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Mazaly Aguilar, Hermann Tertsch, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión

B9‑0051/2021

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the harassment of democratic political parties in Spain

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Article 2 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Articles 11 and 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

– having regard to Rule 143 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the values of respect for freedom and democracy are enshrined in the Treaty;

B. whereas the Charter recognises the right to freedom of expression and prohibits any discrimination on grounds of political opinion;

C. whereas, in the run-up to the regional parliamentary elections in Catalonia on 14 February 2021, the regional government is allowing and inciting harassment of democratic political parties;

D. whereas, on 2 January 2021, the Catalan Government’s Office for Civil and Political Rights took to social media to incite protests against, and thereby prevent, the participation in politics of candidates, members or sympathisers of VOX, the third largest political force in Spain;

E. whereas violence is constantly being directed against VOX deputies, members and offices, and there is a permanent threat of harassment to other parties;

1. Urges the Commission to defend the values of the EU, in particular respect for freedom and democracy, condemning the harassment and the incitement to violence against political parties in Spain.