“You’re not going to come and rip the sticker off my computer, but you’re the ones who were shooting people there in the cathedral.” From one moment to the next, the plenary session of the Sant Josep de sa Talaia Town Hall became especially tense when Araceli Colomar Costilla, spokeswoman for Vox, directed these strong statements against councilman Josep Antoni Prats Serra, of ARA Eivissa. The context was the treatment of the motion to investigate and regulate the display of symbols associated with extreme right-wing ideologies in cabs in the municipality. Colomar, firmly opposed to the proposal, defended the right to display historical symbols in cabs and accused Prats of wanting to censor these emblems. It all turned out to be an allusion to the murders committed in that place during the Civil War, but in comparison with the episode of the president of the Balearic Parliament, Gabriel Le Senne (Vox), who vandalized a photo of victims of Francoism and expelled two socialist deputies in June of this year. Colomar began his intervention by mentioning the news published by La Voz de Ibiza; criticizing the basis of the motion and questioning the nature of the study attached to it, stating that “Wikipedia is available to everyone” to verify that the cross of Burgundy is “a representation of the Cross of St. Andrew”, a historical symbol of Spain. Colomar argued that the Burgundy Cross is a significant part of national history and represents the execution of St. Andrew the Apostle. In this context, he referred to Columbus Day and mentioned that “you all still celebrate today the 12th of October. And yes, you celebrate it because no one of you gets up on October 12 to go to work today”.
Defense of the Cross of Burgundy and other historical emblems
For Colomar, the Burgundy cross and the double-headed eagle, symbols that some associate with extremist movements, are part of the Spanish cultural identity and should not be banned in public spaces. “Do you know why we are dissidents and why we don’t consider having to apologize? Because we feel pride. Pride in the 28 universities founded by the very bad Spaniards in America,” he stressed.
Colomar defended the Spanish legacy in America, stating that “the Spaniards exchanged chain sacrifices for civility and universities” and compared the situation to asking Italy for forgiveness for the Cantabrian wars, arguing that “we brought law and civilization”. He also referred to the double-headed eagle, questioning its exclusion in the study and pointing out that “Wikipedia does not omit it” and explains that “it is the current representation of the heraldic emblem of Charles I of Spain”. The spokeswoman insisted that these emblems should be considered part of the historical and cultural heritage and regretted what she considers a “destruction of our history” that aims to make these symbols “fall into oblivion”.
Criticism of the lack of recognition for Spanish historical figures
In his speech, Colomar expressed that “it would be very satisfying if in schools and institutes the history of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, Pizarro, Pedro de Valdivia, Hernando de Soto, Orellana, Cabeza de Vaca, López de Aguirre were taught”, historical figures that, in his opinion, are being forgotten. Instead, he added ironically, “let’s go to the movies to see the adventures of Jack Sparrow”. He also urged the other councilors to “put aside intolerance” and respect “the way of thinking of every citizen”.
Call to respect cab driver’s freedom
The representative of Vox ended her speech by asking the left to work on “measures to benefit this guild, the cab drivers”, and give them the freedom to choose the symbols they wish to display. In his closing remarks, he stated: “Put aside your intolerance and truly respect with tolerance the way of thinking of every citizen. Especially to these cab drivers who have paid for a license and give them freedom”.
