Overview

• Vicent Mascarell, the PSOE’s organization secretary in the Valencian Community, told PP deputy María del Mar Galcerán she had a “dirty mind,” targeting a lawmaker who lives with Down syndrome.
• The exchange followed President Carlos Mazón’s plan to attend the October 9 procession honoring victims of last autumn’s DANA, a move Mascarell had publicly criticized.
• Mascarell deleted the social-media message and issued an apology after public backlash to his remark.
• PP secretary general Miguel Tellado demanded Mascarell’s immediate dismissal and publicly praised Galcerán’s work and example.
• The incident has heightened tensions in regional politics, with criticism of Compromís spokesman Joan Baldoví for not commenting and any disciplinary action against Mascarell still pending.