Fernando López Miras, president of the Murcia region in Spain, strongly criticized statements by Martha Alamany, secretary general of the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC). The politician described her words as "xenophobic provincialism" after Alamany commented that Catalonia "is not Murcia," referring to the region's image. In a sharp retort, López Miras suggested that ERC politicians would ruin Catalonia and their children would have to live in Murcia. The incident has resonated widely in Spanish media and highlights tensions between regions and discourse about stereotypes.
Xenophobia Accusations
Fernando López Miras, president of Murcia, called Martha Alamany's statement from ERC "xenophobic provincialism." The politician accused the Catalan leader of disparaging his region and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Alamany's Comment About Catalonia
The direct cause of the dispute was Alamany's comment directed at Socialist Party (PSC) leader Salomón Illa, in which she stated that "Catalonia is not Murcia." The statement was perceived as an attempt to contrast developed Catalonia with less affluent Murcia.
Murcia President's Sharp Retort
In response, López Miras stated that when ERC politicians "turn Catalonia into a wasteland, their children will live in Murcia." This controversial statement was meant to emphasize Murcia's economic importance and discredit Catalan claims of superiority.
Resonance in Spanish Media
The dispute between regional politicians dominated Spanish media from February 24-25, 2026. The newspaper "La Razón" and the Europa Press agency extensively covered the exchange, highlighting its political and social dimensions.
Fernando López Miras, president of the autonomous community of Murcia in Spain, has sparked a political storm with his sharp response to statements by Martha Alamany, secretary general of the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC). The conflict erupted after Alamany, in the context of a discussion about regional policy, addressed Catalan Socialist leader Salomón Illa with the words: "Catalonia is not Murcia." This statement, widely reported by media on February 24, was interpreted as condescending toward Murcia, a region often perceived in Spain as less economically developed. López Miras, who has led the Region of Murcia since 2017 and is a member of the People's Party (PP), did not leave the comment unanswered. On February 25, in a series of sharp statements reported by newspapers such as "20 minutos" and "La Razón," he labeled Alamany's words as "xenophobic provincialism" (originally "paletismo xenofóbico"). This strong epithet was meant to emphasize that, in his view, the Catalan politician's statement was based on harmful prejudices and contempt toward residents of another Spanish region. In an even more pointed retort, quoted by "La Razón," López Miras stated: "When they turn Catalonia into a wasteland, their children will live in Murcia." This controversial response was intended to highlight Murcia's economic strength and attractiveness while suggesting that ERC's independence aspirations could harm Catalan prosperity. Tensions between wealthier Spanish regions seeking greater autonomy, such as Catalonia or the Basque Country, and regions considered poorer have a long history. After the fall of Franco's regime and the adoption of the constitution in 1978, Spain became a "state of autonomies," granting regions broad powers. However, economic differences and identity issues, especially in Catalonia, remain sources of political disputes, culminating in the crisis surrounding the failed 2017 independence referendum.The exchange between López Miras and Alamany quickly became the subject of broad media debate. The Europa Press news agency and the newspaper "La Vanguardia" emphasized that the Murcia president's attack was backed by his party, indicating an institutionalized response from regional authorities.