Miriam Nogueras, the spokesperson for Junts in the Congress of Deputies, has again sparked controversy by refusing to make remarks in front of the Spanish flag, showcasing her contentious relationship with national symbols. This dismissal occurred during an anticipated press briefing related to a government agreement on the distribution of unaccompanied migrant minors from the Canary Islands.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, as rain fell in Madrid, Nogueras was expected to address the media regarding a recent pact between her separatist party and the ruling PSOE regarding the relocation of young migrants. Instead of speaking in the allotted spaces, which included the national flag, she maneuvered through the hallways, ultimately opting for a corridor where she felt the presence of the Spanish flag would not overshadow her statements. During this unusual dance to avoid the flag, Nogueras requested, "Ah, yes that’s there. Can we take it out, please?" Upon being informed it was not possible to remove the flag, she sharply declared, "Then no, we won't do it here."
This incident has drawn harsh criticism, not only from political opponents but also from within the media and the public. Prominent journalist Ana Rosa Quintana condemned the act, asserting, "This is the party that is enabling Pedro Sánchez's government," emphasizing the political tension surrounding Junts' role in the current coalition. Quintana and fellow journalists expressed disbelief that a national spokesperson would so openly disdain the country’s colors.
Nogueras's aversion to the Spanish flag is not a new phenomenon. In February 2023, she similarly removed the flag before a press conference, claiming it was "too close" to her. This act of defiance led to widespread public outcry and a petition by the university organization S'ha Acabat, which demanded her suspension for her behavior, highlighting her annual salary of approximately 113,469 euros as a deputy paid by Spanish taxpayers. Critics argue that if Nogueras so categorically rejects Spanish symbols, she should reconsider her position in the government funded by those very symbols.
In the wake of this latest incident, organization S'ha Acabat renewed its call for respect towards national symbols, stating, "The least she could do is respect the Spanish flag, and if she does not want to do so, she should resign from her public salary." The sentiment resonated with many citizens who echoed the call on social media, questioning why someone who shows such disdain for the country continues to hold a public office.
The backdrop of this controversy is significant. The agreement between Junts and the PSOE includes the relocation of 4,000 unaccompanied minors currently residing in the Canary Islands and Ceuta. Of these, 20 to 30 minors are expected to be sent to Catalonia, which has stirred further debate about regional responsibilities and the impact on other communities governed by the PP, who have expressed strong disapproval of the deal.
As Pedro Sánchez's coalition seeks to navigate these sensitive issues, tensions remain high across Spain regarding migration, regional autonomy, and national identity. The reaction to Nogueras's refusal demonstrates how closely tied these topics are to broader political debates, with many asking whether actions like hers contribute to divisiveness in an already polarized environment.
According to the public, if there is a way to respect one’s own regional identity while also embracing the larger Spanish identity, Nogueras’s actions may indicate a growing rift in the relationship between different cultural identities within Spain. Observers note that such attitudes towards national symbols can lead to increased tensions in a country that is already grappling with issues of unity and separatism.
With Junts playing a critical role in Sánchez's government, the spotlight is now on how the party will proceed following this incident. Will there be repercussions for Nogueras, or will her actions further alienate her from a populace that values national unity?
The Spanish public's reaction indicates that many are not only concerned about the figures like Nogueras but also about what their actions signify in terms of national cohesion amidst challenges from various political factions. This incident highlights the urgent need for dialogue about identity and representation in Spain, especially as issues such as regional autonomy and immigration dominate the national agenda.
In the face of all this scrutiny, one question looms large: can Junts reconcile its local aspirations with the demands of the national narrative, or will individual members like Nogueras further deepen the divides that have long plagued Spanish society?
