This change of position has been at the center of much of the PSOE's criticism, with the party accusing the PP of acting under pressure from Vox. Socialist lawmaker María Ariño, who defended the Statute for Rural Women, criticized the People's Party for changing its position in less than two years. "Rural women have not changed. You are the ones who have changed," she said during her speech.
The debate was attended by representatives of rural women's groups and associations, who followed the session from the public gallery. Ariño regretted that Aragon's president, Jorge Azcón, had missed "the last opportunity to stand alongside the women who live and work in rural areas." She also issued a warning to the PP ahead of its upcoming visits to rural towns: "Speeches pass. Votes remain."
WHAT MEASURES DID THE RURAL WOMEN'S BILL INCLUDE?
The bill also included initiatives to combat gender-based violence, facilitate work-life balance and increase women's presence in the decision-making bodies of rural organizations. Ariño said the goal was for women to be able to develop their personal and professional plans without being forced to leave their municipalities. "This law does not seek to impose on any woman how she must live; it seeks to do exactly the opposite: give her the tools to choose how she wants to live," she said.
THE PSOE LINKS EQUALITY TO THE FIGHT AGAINST RURAL DEPOPULATION
The Socialist lawmaker directly linked the rejection of the initiative to one of Aragon's main challenges: the depopulation of rural municipalities. In her view, guaranteeing job opportunities and facilitating work-life balance is essential for women to remain in their towns and build their futures there.
"Anyone who does not understand that the fight against depopulation must necessarily involve equality understands absolutely nothing about our rural areas," Ariño said. She also highlighted the historic role of women in farming, livestock, commerce and community associations in rural towns.
