Pablo Echenique, a member of the political party Podemos, has publicly criticized Yolanda Díaz, Spain”s Minister of Labor, for attending the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Egypt alongside King Felipe VI. Echenique expressed his discontent over Díaz”s absence from her ministerial duties to participate in this event.
The inauguration, which took place at the Giza plateau, is significant as the museum will house nearly 100,000 artifacts, including an extensive collection of ancient antiquities and a restoration laboratory. According to a statement from the Spanish Royal House, King Felipe VI was welcomed at the Giza International Airport by Egyptian Labor Minister Mohamed Abdel Aziz Gibran and Spain”s ambassador to Egypt, Sergio Román, among other dignitaries.
Echenique took to social media platform X to voice his frustration, stating, “I think it is perfectly fine for Yolanda Díaz to have attended the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum because…” His remarks come in the context of a state visit where the royal couple also toured the Valley of the Kings, reviewing projects aimed at enhancing and preserving archaeological sites in Luxor and Giza, which are important for the region”s tourism development.
The controversy surrounding Diaz”s attendance has sparked debate in Spain, with some arguing that her role as Minister of Labor should take precedence over international engagements. As the country continues to navigate various domestic challenges, the implications of such absences are being scrutinized by political figures and the public alike.
