The government delegate in Extremadura, José Luis Quintana, participated today in the Badajoz Congress Palace in the event commemorating the 600th anniversary of the arrival of the Gypsy people in Spain. During her speech, Quintana highlighted the importance of this celebration as a moment of recognition and reflection on the social integration of the Gypsy people, stressing the need to move forward without discrimination towards a fairer and more equitable coexistence.
In his speech, Quintana also recalled the 46 years since the approval of the Spanish Constitution, which establishes in its article 14 the equality of all citizens before the law. "We cannot forget that, despite the advances, prejudice and discrimination against the gypsy people still persist," he added. The government delegate also wanted to highlight the cultural legacy of the Gypsy people, stating that "Gypsy culture is a river that has been able to flow without losing its channel; we adapt, but we do not disappear". In this regard, Quintana called on society to recognize and value the richness that Gypsy culture has contributed to the history and diversity of Spain.
The delegate also emphasized the achievements made in recent years in terms of integration, such as the fact that 86% of young Gypsies complete Compulsory Secondary Education. "These advances are the result of effective public policies and active community participation, but we should not stop here. It is essential to continue working together to eradicate any form of discrimination," he said. Quintana has also stressed the importance of respect for diversity as a fundamental pillar of a democratic society. "Only with respect is it possible to move forward. We cannot allow intolerance to take hold in our society. We must join forces against those who seek to impose limitations on the rights of the different," he urged.
Finally, the government delegate sent a message of hope, stressing that "the Roma people have demonstrated time and again their capacity for adaptation and resilience". In this celebration, he called on all citizens, gypsies and clowns, to work together for a future in which equality and respect are the norm.