MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Socialist candidate, if elected, promises improved relations and dialogue with Gibraltar

Ms Gemma Araujo, the Socialist candidate for Mayor of La Linea with Chief Minister Peter Caruana (Photo: Gilbraltar Chronicle)

Spain’s ruling Socialist (PSOE) coalition candidate for mayor in La Linea, neighbouring with Gibraltar, promised to rebuild relations with the British Overseas Territory if she wins the forthcoming municipal election.

Gemma Araujo paid a courtesy call on Gibraltar Chief Minister Peter Caruana this week and said that that if elected, she will do her best to improve relations that have drifted apart as a result of aggressive, politically-motivated tactics used by the current conservative opposition Partido Popular mayor, Alejandro Sánchez

Speaking to Europa Press Araujo said the purpose of her visit to Gibraltar was “to advance in several initiatives that help to improve the lives and jobs of La Linea residents”. The issues addressed include “working conditions for Spanish labour in Gibraltar” and in the event Ms Araujo is elected mayor, “unblock the project to expand the shared airport”, an initiative that will generate jobs and pump money into the local economy.

“We believe the main guideline in relations with Gibraltar is dialogue, and not the confrontation we have been experiencing during the last months”, said Ms Araujo adding she was prepared to undertake “joint initiatives” with Gibraltar officials.

The Socialist candidate said the “environmental” levy which the current mayor of La Linea pretends to impose on cars travelling to Gibraltar is ‘illegal’ and in those very terms she exchanged ideas during her meeting with Chief Minister Caruana.

However regarding other issues Ms Araujo said they belong to the orbit of the Spanish Foreign Affairs ministry, “my job, if elected, is to improve the life quality of the residents of La Linea”.