(CMR) A woman with Down Syndrome was elected as a parliamentarian in Spain, making her the first person with a genetic disorder to be elected to the position. Mar Galcerán (45) took her historic seat in Valencia's regional assembly.
She may be the first in Europe to be elected a parliamentarian, marking a significant step forward in real inclusion, Spain’s Down syndrome federation said. Previously, in 2020, Éléonore Laloux made history in France as the first person with Down's syndrome elected to public office, serving as a city council member in Arras. Ireland also celebrated a similar milestone in 2022 when Fintan Bray was elected to a political position in Ireland.
According to The Guardian, for many years, she battled to ensure the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in the political discourse, and her efforts have finally come to fruition.
“It’s unprecedented. Society is starting to see that people with Down’s syndrome have a lot to contribute. But it’s a very long road,” Galcerán told the Guardian.
Galcerán's journey in politics began at the age of 18 when she joined the conservative People’s Party (PP), attracted by its embrace of tradition. Over the years, she has worked diligently within the party, steadily climbing the ranks. Last May, her dedication paid off when she was added as the 20th name on the PP's list of candidates for Valencia's regional elections, The Guardian reported.
The announcement of Galcerán's victory was met with applause and encouragement from her party, with Carlos Mazón, the region's PP leader, welcoming her with a message on social media. He described her success as “Great news for politics, overcoming barriers.”
Agustín Matía Amor of Down España emphasized that Galcerán's achievement is not only a testament to her individual triumph but also reflects the decades she spent working to advance the status of people with Down's syndrome in Spain. Galcerán, who worked as a civil servant for over 20 years in Valencia, dedicated herself to shaping inclusive policies and led Asindown, a Valencian organization supporting families with children with Down's syndrome.
Galcerán acknowledges the mixed reactions on social media, emphasizing the importance of being seen beyond her disability. She told The Guardian she is committed to learning and serving the people of Valencia, particularly those with different abilities.
Galcerán hopes that her presence in the regional parliament will contribute to dismantling prejudices and fostering a society that sees individuals for their capabilities rather than their disabilities.
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