In A Historic Move, Spain Gets A Female Majority Cabinet

Spain's new Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently appointed a female majority cabinet. A total of 11 women and 6 men will be a part of this new cabinet. This is the first time a female majority cabinet has been appointed in Spain since 1975. Sánchez announced the news in a press conference. Further, he added that his new government is “unmistakably committed to equality” and intends to reflect recent changes in the Spanish society.

Pedro Sánchez was sworn in as the Spanish Prime Minister on Saturday. He reflected in his address that the nationwide feminist strike on 8 March had marked a before and an after when it came to gender equality in Spain. He added, “The new government is a faithful reflection of that movement.”

El nuevo Gobierno de España es el reflejo de lo mejor de la sociedad a la que aspira a servir. Una sociedad paritaria, abierta, comprometida e intergeneracional. Un Gobierno progresista, modernizador y europeísta preparado para afrontar los desafíos del siglo XXI.

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) June 6, 2018

Equal Representation

“This is a highly qualified government for a society with equal representation, open to the world but anchored in Europe,” he said, a report in the Guardian said. His latest move comes as a historic moment for the country.

This is the first time where females would outnumber men in the Spanish cabinet. Women now form 61% of the newly appointed cabinet. 

"Mr Sanchez drew from a wide range of professions, however, choosing an astronaut for science minister, a state attorney specialising in the prosecution of jihadist attacks for justice minister and a climate change treaty negotiator for environment minister", RTE reported. "All are highly qualified and bring a vocation for public service and reflect the best of Spain," Sanchez said. Almost all of the new appointments are specialists in their areas.

Also, El Pais reported,"The new government also stands out for its ideological diversity. New Health Minister Carmen Montón, for instance, has been an avid Socialist since her youth and spearheaded the fight to protect women’s right to abortion. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, on the other hand, is a conservative who was a possible candidate for secretary general under Rajoy."

Picture Credit: Euronews

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Nimisha is an intern with SheThePeople.TV