The political party has filed a written complaint arguing that institutions must maintain neutrality. As Vox communicated via social media, the request aims to "ensure the neutrality of institutions" and asserts that "the only flag that represents everyone is the Spanish one."
The controversy arose after the Socialist Municipal Group displayed a large banner with the slogan 'Madrid for the flag' on their balcony, accompanied by rainbow and trans flags, on the eve of the LGTBIQ+ Pride celebrations.
“"The only flag that represents everyone is the Spanish one"
The spokesperson for Vox in the City Council, Javier Ortega Smith, had previously criticized the initiative, promoted by socialist spokesperson Reyes Maroto. Smith argued that public buildings should not display symbols identifying specific groups, maintaining that institutional properties "must remain neutral towards any type of symbolism."
Ortega Smith further stated that the national flag fulfills the function of representing all citizens, citing the Law of Flags and the Constitution. He affirmed that the Spanish flag "represents heterosexuals, homosexuals, right-wingers, left-wingers, believers and non-believers" and that "there is no need to fill our buildings with partisan symbolism of certain groups."
This discussion occurs one year after the Superior Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM) overturned a previous resolution that prohibited the placement of rainbow flags on the balconies of the municipal groups' building, located on Calle Mayor. That ruling by the high court nullified an urgent interim measure from July 2022 that ordered the removal of LGTBI flags installed on the municipal property, following an appeal by Vox.
