The Government defends the distribution sector after Belarra's criticism of Mercadona and asks not to divert attention

"I cannot take charge of the statements that are produced in party acts," said the Executive Spokesperson

MADRID, 24 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Minister for Territorial Policy and Government Spokesperson, Isabel Rodríguez, today defended the distribution sector, after the criticism launched by Minister Ione Belarra at the president of Mercadona. Rodríguez has said that she cannot take charge of the statements that are produced in a party act but she has asked to focus on what is important, which is to attend to the families and not divert attention.

This was stated during the conference after the Council of Ministers when asked about the criticism of the Minister of Social Affairs of Juan Roig, whom he called a "ruthless capitalist". Just today, the president of Mercadona has responded by assuring that businessmen generate wealth and well-being and then it is up to those who govern to manage it.

"I cannot take responsibility for the statements that are produced in party acts", the spokesperson specified, but she did want to convey the opinion of the Government regarding a sector "as important as the distribution sector" and in general the entire economic and business sector of the country.

In this regard, he pointed out that the Executive "values ​​them very positively" and recalled that "thanks to their strength and accompanied by the Government", this sector gave its best version in the face of adversity, at times of the pandemic.

Thus, he recalled that at that time, the distribution sector made it possible that, despite all the difficulties, everyone could have the essential products at that time.

"Our appreciation to the businessmen who support it and to the workers who were also essential at that time and put their health at risk to take care of all of us," he added.

He also recalled that the Ministry of Agriculture maintains a permanent dialogue with the sector and they have also been used to approve initiatives such as the one that Congress is going to validate today, the lowering of VAT on basic foods.

In this sense, he has indicated that there is already a first analysis by the European Commission where the "usefulness and effectiveness" of these measures is seen with an estimate of the reduction in prices of 3.5 percent.

Having said this, the Minister for Territorial Policy explained that this is the way in which "an issue as important as this" must be addressed; it is what the Government as a whole is dedicated to. For what she has asked "not to divert attention to focus on what is important" that, in her opinion, is to attend to families and that they can "take charge of the shopping cart".

At this point he has placed the rise in pensions or the Minimum Interprofessional Wage and added that the private sector is being supported by the Government with recovery funds.