Inés Arrimadas, the leader of Ciudadanos (Cs), has defended the transformative power of her party's neoliberal policies in Andalusia during a political event in Sevilla. She criticized the previous PSOE governments for the region's shortcomings in education and employment, claiming that Ciudadanos has removed the 'burden' that held back Andalusia. The event, themed 'Complying with Andalusia', was attended by public officials and focused on the party's achievements in government, including economic, employment, education, and equality policies. Despite unfavorable polls, Juan Marín, the regional coordinator and vice president of the Junta de Andalucía, remains optimistic about the party's future and its role in the region's governance.

The Andalusian Government's commitment to the 'Green Revolution' is criticized by environmental organizations and experts for lacking substantial change and being short-term in focus. Despite announcing significant investments to address environmental vulnerabilities, critics argue that the measures do not address essential issues and are opportunities lost. The European Commission's guidelines and the Next Generation funds require environmental respect, but the actual implementation of these policies is questioned. The management of water in Andalusia's agricultural model is highlighted as a controversial issue that would provoke debate if a real commitment to sustainability were made. Experts agree that Andalusia is not yet a truly sustainable territory and that real environmental policies would require societal change and affect various economic sectors.

Extensive livestock farming is being defended as a sustainable and ethical alternative to intensive industrial livestock farming, which faces criticism for environmental pollution, animal mistreatment, and contributing to deforestation for soy cultivation. Advocates like Francisco Casero of Fundación Savia and Ernestine Lüdeke of Fundación Monte Mediterráneo highlight the benefits of extensive farming, such as biodiversity conservation, sustainable meat production, and rural development. The article contrasts the positions of politicians and organizations, emphasizing the need for consumer education on meat consumption and the hidden environmental costs of intensive farming. It also discusses the role of extensive livestock farming in forest management and its potential to create jobs and support rural economies.

The Andalusian Parliament has resumed sessions of the commission investigating the defunct Andalusian Foundation for Training and Employment Fund (Faffe), initiated by PP, Ciudadanos, and Vox. The commission aims to probe alleged nepotism and irregularities under former Andalusian governments led by the PSOE. High-profile socialists, including former presidents and the current Minister of Finance, have been summoned. The latest session included Carmen Ibanco, a Faffe employee and wife of the Mayor of Seville and PSOE-A General Secretary, Juan Espadas. Ibanco denied knowledge of any irregularities, while opposition parties questioned the speed and transparency of her hiring process. The PSOE believes the scrutiny of Ibanco is politically motivated to damage Juan Espadas' image, who is a candidate for the presidency of the Junta. The Faffe is under judicial investigation for contracting irregularities and misuse of public funds in Andalusian brothels by socialist officials.

As the legislative term in Andalusia nears its end, internal movements within the Ciudadanos (Cs) party are beginning. A Twitter account named 'Renew Andalucía' has been created to support an alternative leadership bid by Rocío Ruiz and Fran Carrillo against the current Andalusian vice president and regional leader, Juan Marín. The account calls for primary elections, citing the need for proactive planning and allowing members to voice their opinions sooner. Internal disputes within Ciudadanos are fueled by criticisms of Marín's leadership and his interactions with the PP. Rocío Ruiz has been a vocal critic within the party, particularly in her disagreements with Vox over gender policies. Despite previous threats to remove Ruiz from her position, the national leadership has prevented such actions. The article also references a failed motion of censure in Murcia and the defeat in the Madrid elections, which have influenced the party's stance on unity and leadership changes.

Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, President of the Junta de Andalucía, has reiterated his decision not to call for early elections, aiming for the scheduled autumn 2022 elections. He emphasizes responsibility and prioritizing the interests of Andalusians over personal and partisan interests. Despite the challenges of a minority government and the need for Vox's support, Moreno criticizes both Vox's threats to break the coalition and the PSOE's early campaigning. The PSOE, under new leader Juan Espadas, is engaging in 'active listening' to regain its position in the Parliament, while Moreno's government focuses on legislative priorities such as the LISTA law and tax reforms, with the possibility of calling elections if legislative capacity becomes inefficient.

The Andalusian Government, led by the PP and Ciudadanos coalition, is considering a budget agreement with the right-wing party Vox for the 2022 budget, which is seen as more viable than an agreement with the PSOE. Vox's parliamentary spokesperson in Andalusia, Manuel Gavira, insists on the government fulfilling its promises as a condition for support. The PSOE is open to dialogue but demands that the budget reflects its strategic lines and is not conditioned by Vox's requirements. The government may extend the current budget if negotiations stall, with the support of Ciudadanos' vice president, Juan Marín. The article also touches on the reduction of teaching staff and the opposition's criticism of the government's handling of public education and health.

The Andalusian Parliament has passed a law recognizing the authority of teachers, aimed at fostering respect for their role. Supported by PP, Ciudadanos, Vox, and PSOE, with Unidas Podemos abstaining and Adelante Andalucía voting against, the law applies to non-university educational centers and provides legal protections and psychological support for teachers. The law also addresses student responsibility for damages. The article also touches on other legislative efforts, including the LISTA and the Law of Childhood and Adolescence, and concludes with the end of the parliamentary session.

Andalusia's youth have a COVID-19 incidence rate of 503 cases per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the regional average. The Andalusian government, through spokesperson Elías Bendodo, urged young people to remain vigilant against the virus, especially with the rise in illegal street drinking parties known as 'botellonas'. Measures to control the spread are being discussed, and local authorities are called upon to enforce restrictions. The regional government is set to meet to assess the epidemiological situation and consider steps for de-escalation.

Juan Espadas, the PSOE candidate for the presidency of the Junta de Andalucía, has made his first contact with the socialist parliamentary group, which he now leads, reflecting the results of the primaries held on June 13. Espadas, who is also the Mayor of Seville, emphasized his trust in his deputies and the need for coordination in political strategy. He advocates for dialogue in the Andalusian Parliament and proposes a bilateral commission and a working group to manage European recovery funds. Espadas seeks a constructive opposition to the PP and Ciudadanos government but insists it's not a blank check. He also addresses the need to streamline the LISTA law and criticizes Vox for causing previous legislative issues. The article also notes the absence of Susana Díaz, the current general secretary of PSOE-A, from the meeting and her future role remains uncertain.

All parliamentary groups in Andalusia agree that autonomous financing is a pressing issue post-pandemic. Juan Manuel Moreno, president of the Junta de Andalucía, seeks a common stance to present to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The Andalusian government demands a reform to address underfunding, while political parties like Ciudadanos, Unidas Podemos, and PSOE express their positions on fair resource distribution and the use of Next Generation EU funds. The meeting between Moreno and Sánchez is seen as an opportunity to emphasize Andalusia's position on the national stage.

Juan Espadas won the PSOE Andalusian primary with 55% of the vote, eliminating the need for a second round. Susana Díaz, the former secretary-general, accepted defeat and will not run for re-election at the regional congress in December. Espadas, the mayor of Seville, expressed gratitude and announced his candidacy for the general secretary while confirming he will maintain his position at the city council. The article captures the atmosphere of the event, the reactions of the party members, and the implications for the PSOE's future in Andalusia.

Juan Espadas, the mayor of Seville, has won the support of the majority of Andalusian provinces in the PSOE-A primaries, becoming the socialist candidate for the presidency of the Junta de Andalucía. He defeated his main rival, Susana Díaz, in provinces such as Cádiz, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, and Seville, while Díaz won in Almería and had close results in Córdoba and Málaga. With over 93% of votes counted and a turnout exceeding 75%, Espadas secured 55.19% of the votes, Díaz 38.43%, and the third candidate, Luis Ángel Hierro, 5.41%. There will be no second round.

Andalusia's parliament has approved an anti-fraud and corruption law, with support from PP, Ciudadanos, and Vox, and abstention from PSOE, Adelante Andalucía, and non-affiliated deputies. The law aims to combat corruption, a significant concern for citizens, and arrives amid corruption charges against former PP secretary-general María Dolores de Cospedal in the 'Kitchen case'. The Andalusian government seeks to dissociate itself from past corrupt practices and promote transparency. The law also serves as a critique of the previous socialist administration's legacy. Additionally, a decree law to streamline the recognition of dependent persons' rights was validated with support from PP, Ciudadanos, Vox, and non-affiliated deputies, while PSOE and Adelante Andalucía rejected it.

The traditional olive harvest season in Jaén, Spain, is facing severe challenges due to cold and rainy weather, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency protocol for adverse weather has been activated, but the available shelters are insufficient, with a reduction to a third of their capacity due to health measures. An estimated 500 to 600 people lack proper shelter, with irregular workers being the most affected. The closure of Andalusian borders has discouraged many from coming, yet the shortage of beds forces those present to sleep in passages and abandoned buildings. Cáritas Diocesana and Cruz Roja are providing food, shelter, and hygiene products, but the situation calls for a more sustainable housing solution. Criticism is directed at the Junta de Andalucía for cutting funds and the late activation of a specific protocol for the olive campaign, while local authorities and organizations are urged to collaborate on long-term solutions.

During a routine session in the Andalusian Parliament on November 19, 2020, Vox spokesperson Alejandro Hernández caused a stir by walking out and refusing to participate in the day's votes, leaving the PP and Cs government without the support of their preferred partner. This led to the defeat of a PP and Cs proposal to request the repeal of the 'Ley Celaá' educational reform from the central government. However, a decree to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic was passed with the support of PP and Cs and abstentions from the left. The absence of Vox also allowed the approval of two socialist motions to provide financial aid to the hospitality industry and compensation to nursing homes for pandemic costs. The events highlighted Vox's critical role in the current legislature and the potential fragility of the Andalusian government without their votes.

Inmaculada Nieto, spokesperson for the political coalition Adelante Andalucía and a member of Izquierda Unida (IU) in Andalucía, discusses the recent party switching controversy involving Teresa Rodríguez and seven other deputies affiliated with the Anticapitalistas faction. Nieto explains that these individuals are considered party switchers because they have left the party that granted them their public office and have deviated from its ethical code and statutes. She emphasizes that the decision to expel them from the parliamentary group is not a personal attack but a consequence of their actions. Nieto also addresses the legal procedures and the broader political implications of the situation, including the potential impact on the left-wing space in Andalucía and the relationship with the PSOE.

The internal tension within Adelante Andalucía escalated as the Parliament's Board of Andalusia supported the request by Podemos Andalucía, through Izquierda Unida (IU), to expel eight deputies, including Teresa Rodríguez, for 'transfuguismo' (political defection). The expelled members, associated with Anticapitalistas, had previously disaffiliated from Podemos. The decision, which was approved by PSOE, PP, and Vox, with Cs abstaining, relegates the deputies to non-attached status, stripping them of representative functions. Adelante Andalucía criticized the move, which was not backed by the majority of the parliamentary group. The expulsion reduces the group's representation to 11 deputies and marks a significant split in the coalition formed in 2018. The expelled members, now classified as defectors, may face further restrictions if the Institutional Stability Pact is approved. Teresa Rodríguez has announced plans to challenge the decision legally.

Juan Manuel Moreno, the president of the Junta de Andalucía, opened the debate on the state of the Community with a speech focused on dialogue and moderate leadership. He announced a budget of over 40 billion euros for 2021, emphasizing the need for reforms to address the socio-economic crisis caused by COVID-19. Moreno called for a united voice in the distribution of EU funds and requested 23 billion euros for Andalusia. The government's plans include economic reactivation, job creation, and no tax increases for 2021. Opposition parties criticized the speech as triumphalist and disconnected from reality, while Moreno's necessary ally, Vox, was also unsatisfied, calling the speech flat and a missed opportunity.