Spain's interior minister booed in Cádiz

Shouts of “out” greet Spain’s interior minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, as he arrives at a Guardia Civil ceremony in Cádiz, Spain, on Sunday 4 October. Some people in the audience heckle him during the celebration of the force’s patron saint. A local officers’ association has already said it will stay away from official events he attends in the province.

Europa Press

Officers’ association stays away

The Cádiz branch of the Asociación Unificada de la Guardia Civil accuses Grande-Marlaska of leaving officers to fend for themselves and failing to attend their funerals.

In his speech, the minister warns that anyone offering quick, easy answers to crime or migration either does not understand the problems or chooses to ignore their complexity. He describes migration and drug trafficking as major challenges for Spain and Europe.

River rescue recognised

The ceremony also honours Guardia Civil officer Antonio Jiménez, who jumped into a river to save a woman. She resisted the rescue and tried to sink, but he kept her afloat and brought her to the bank with the person accompanying her.

Guardia Civil director Mercedes González recalls the 41 women killed by gender-based violence in Spain this year, including 12 in Andalusia. She urges officers to pursue attackers and protect victims.

Spain's interior minister booed at Cádiz ceremony

Officers’ association stays away

River rescue recognised