The former vice president and current candidate of the Andalusian PSOE, María Jesús Montero, has insisted in the Senate that the Civil Guard's investigation into Vicente Fernández is not related to his time at the head of the State Society of Industrial Participations (SEPI). As she explained, the facts under suspicion are located in a later period after the former president's departure from the public company.
During her appearance before the investigation committee of the Upper House, Montero answered the questions of the Popular Party defending that, when she attended another parliamentary session months ago, there was no circumstance that would make one suspect of possible irregularities. “She was not in any situation that would allow suspicion,” she maintained.
The socialist leader has also stressed that the object of the judicial investigation does not focus on Fernández's management within SEPI, but on subsequent actions. In this regard, she wanted to make clear that her appointment was based on “strictly technical and professional” criteria, thus disassociating any political responsibility from her decision.
However, when asked if she maintains her confidence in the honesty of Vicente Fernández, Montero has recognized that, after the known information, the context has changed. Even so, she has appealed to prudence and has defended the need to trust in the action of Justice to clarify the facts.
