This Spanish politician is the first person – and the first woman – with Down syndrome to be elected to a regional parliament in Europe.
Mar Galcerán is not a politician like any other. At 46 years old, including 26 spent in the public service, she is entry into historyin 2023, by becoming the first person – and the first woman – with Down syndrome to be elected to a regional parliament in Spain, or even in all of Europe.
Few people with Down syndrome have ever run for a seat in the national and regional parliaments of European countries. Thatdid not, however, slow down the ambition of this Valencian politician who, last September, took office as a deputy with a clear mission: to change mentalities towards people with disabilities.
“I understand that this is a position with a lot of responsibility, but I take it on with desire to continue working so that our program is carried out, but also to change mentalities. We, the politicians, are at the service of the Valencians.”confides Mar Galcerán during an interview with Euronews.
A popular MP
At the age of 18, Mar Galcerán joined the New Generations of the PP. But it was only when she met the current president of the Valencian Community, Carlos Mazón, that the possibility of occupying positions important within the party opens to her.
Mar Galcerán was secretary for People with Disabilities within the executive commission of the autonomous community of Valencia and, subsequently, candidate in the regional elections.
“He has continued to give me opportunities and registered me on the lists for the last elections on May 28. It was then that I asked myself if I could be a regional deputy. I am very grateful to our president for the opportunities he gave me.”she explains.
There’s still much to do
Although she never felt discriminated against in politics, within her party or in her job, her bad experiences as a student marked her forever. “That’s when I realized that I was being treated differently. At that time I didn’t have friends, but classmates. They saw me differently, they turned their backs on me . That’s when I really suffered from rejection and it was a stage that left its mark on me.”she confides.
“There is still much to be done. In the group of people with disabilities, the disability is transversal and affects health, education, employment… and there is a lot of work to do”she adds.
A change for the better
Recently, and after 20 years of waiting, a reform aimed at modifying article 49 of the Spanish Constitution was approved by the Spanish Parliament. THE term “disabled” was deleted and replaced with “people with disabilities”, which Mar Galcerán said should have been changed long ago.
“It’s a very positive thing and it’s about time they did it because the term ‘disabled’ is an insult to the group of people with different abilities or disabilities.”specifies Mar Galcerán
“The word ‘disabled’ suggests that we are less valuable, when we are as valuable as anyone else. And the words matter“she emphasizes.
For Mar Galcerán, the path has not been easy, nor has the fight for equality and social inclusion. Despite this, she claims thatshe doesn’t fight for her rightsbut rather for opportunities.
