Political turbulence may test Madrid as 2020 campaign enters final stages
Political turbulence may test Madrid as 2020 campaign enters final stages
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
July 16 - After a few weeks when everything in the race to stage the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games appeared to be going its way, it looks like Madrid 2020 may be forced to fight the final weeks of the campaign against a backdrop of domestic political turbulence.This new potential storm cloud on the bid's horizon concerns the political future of Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish Prime Minister, who has faced opposition calls to resign this week over a party financing scandal.
"The Popular Party (PP) may have an absolute majority, but it has lost moral authority," said Elena Valenciano, deputy secretary general of the opposition Socialist party.
"We are going to work with all the parties to make the Prime Minister step down."
The Madrid bid, which is up against Istanbul and Tokyo in a contest that culminates in September at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Buenos Aires, has overcome initial worries about the weakness of the Spanish economy to fight its way right back into contention, with the help of strong contributions from royal family member Felipe, Prince of Asturias, and others.
Protesters gather for a demonstration against corruption outside the People Party's headquarters in BarcelonaRajoy, who assumed office in 2011, has won plaudits for steering the economy at least tentatively, onto a path towards recovery, while avoiding social unrest on anything like the scale witnessed in Greece.
Were he to disappear from the equation – and there is no sign as yet that we are close to reaching that point – it is possible that the confidence of some IOC members in the bid might be shaken.
Rajoy has denied repeatedly that he or other party leaders received illegal payments.
Political pressure has mounted though since a former party treasurer was arrested and charged in June.
It is alleged that a slush fund was in operation, using donations from construction magnates.
Questioned on the possible impact of the scandal, Madrid 2020 told insidethegames:"Madrid 2020 is not in the position of delivering any statement other than those related with the bid or sport issues.
"What we do know is that Madrid 2020 enjoys cross-party support and a very high popular support.
"The guarantees for our bid are from all three levels of Government – they are rock solid.
"That's why it is important in these times where political and economic risks loom worldwide to have a responsible bid."
Contact the writer of this story at david.owen@insidethegames.biz
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