Loreto Arenillas Resigns from Assembly Seat After Más Madrid Acknowledges No Cover-Up
In a dramatic turn of events, Loreto Arenillas is stepping down from her position in the Assembly of Madrid. This decision follows a public acknowledgment from Más Madrid, the political party to which she belonged, stating that she did not cover up any actions related to Íñigo Errejón, co-founder of the party. The situation is evolving rapidly, with key players making public statements and Arenillas reflecting on her time in politics.
Gabriel Ortega, the Secretary of Organization for Más Madrid, issued a public letter to Arenillas, who previously served as Errejón’s chief of staff. Ortega stated, «We want to state emphatically that we believe you did not cover up these reprehensible actions.» This statement marks a significant shift in the party's stance, given that Arenillas had previously been expelled from leadership positions within Más Madrid. According to Paula Chouza, writing for El País, this reversal comes after months of internal conflict and public scrutiny (Chouza, 2025).
Arenillas's Perspective and Resignation
Arenillas, who has been on leave for several months, had been accused of attempting to conceal a complaint against Errejón made by a woman following a concert in Castellón in 2023. She vehemently denied these accusations, claiming she was being made a «scapegoat.» Now, with Más Madrid’s public retraction, Arenillas has confirmed her resignation. «Today, through this letter, I am ending one of the most intense and challenging stages of my life, my time in Más Madrid as a party leader and as a deputy in the Assembly of the Community of Madrid. I wanted to thank all the MM members who gave me the opportunity to represent them; it was an honor,» Arenillas stated in her resignation announcement.
She added, «From now on, I am starting a life away from institutional politics, and for that reason, I want to share some reflections with which I bid farewell to public life.» This marks the end of her active involvement in Más Madrid and the beginning of a new chapter for the politician.
Más Madrid's Acknowledgment and Apology
The letter from Gabriel Ortega not only exonerated Arenillas but also expressed regret for the impact the situation had on her life. Ortega wrote, «Dear Loreto: From the Más Madrid party, we want to express our regret for the negative consequences that what happened in October 2024 may have caused in your life. All of this occurred in difficult circumstances for the organization, amidst a crisis caused by a series of incoherent, irresponsible, and ethically reprehensible acts by third parties. Neither you nor Más Madrid are responsible for these events, but they have caused us all pain and outrage. We want to state emphatically that we believe you have not covered up these reprehensible actions.»
This message clearly indicates a desire to repair the damage done to Arenillas’s reputation and acknowledges the difficult circumstances surrounding the initial accusations.
Arenillas's Gratitude and Reflections
In her response, Arenillas expressed gratitude to the party leadership for «finally rectifying and acknowledging» that she never concealed «anything.» She emphasized the importance of having the truth publicly acknowledged to move forward from this chapter. «That the truth was public and indisputable was fundamental to be able to leave this stage behind,» she noted. Despite this, she recognizes that the «right to be forgotten» is not guaranteed, and her name will likely remain associated with «false and manipulated versions» online.
Arenillas shared the personal toll this ordeal has taken on her. She said this explicit recognition of her honor allows her to «continue moving forward» and finally «breathe without anguish,» underscoring her difficult situation. «Few can imagine the pain that this type of digital violence can cause and the wound, which is supposed to have no place in a democracy like ours; however, it happens,» she warned, reflecting on the «lynching» she has suffered.
Solidarity and Future Commitment
Despite her personal struggles, Arenillas expressed her «absolute support for all women victims of sexist violence» and reiterated her commitment to the fight against sexism and patriarchy. She also reaffirmed her «confidence» in political organizations, signaling her continued belief in the potential for positive change through political action.
The Backstory: Errejón's Resignation and the Initial Accusations
The conflict between Arenillas and the party leadership began following Errejón's resignation, which occurred after allegations of sexual violence surfaced on social media. On October 25, Más Madrid stated, «Regarding the complaint of aggression in Castellón and the intervention of Deputy Loreto Arenillas, we believe that the explanations she gave then do not correspond to the reality that we have learned in recent days and hours.» The party demanded her resignation and, when she refused, removed her from all responsibilities and positions within the party.
A Change in Tone and Recognition of Contributions
The tone of Ortega’s recent letter marks a significant departure from the previous stance. «We want to value your career, your commitment, effort, and your unwavering commitment to feminism. Your dedication has been fundamental to our organization in these years of shared political work, and we wish you the best of luck on the road,» Ortega conceded.
Más Madrid is seemingly trying to mend fences and acknowledge Arenillas's past contributions.
Committee of Guarantees and Final Reflections
«We understand that both you and Más Madrid accept what was established by the Committee of Guarantees in its entirety and literally, regarding your membership in the Regional Board of Más Madrid; as well as the ethical reproach to the decision to publish the termination agreement immediately after its adoption, given its unique media relevance and irreversible personal damage,» Ortega acknowledged. This follows the Committee of Guarantees annulling her dismissal in December.
Arenillas concluded her letter by sharing the profound impact the episode has had on her life. «After having broken myself into a thousand pieces, after the opinion of Guarantees and the letter from the leadership as elements of repair, I need to stop and continue the path of healing and recomposing myself. I will never be the same, although my militancy, my principles, and my values remain intact,» she concluded.
This saga underscores the complexities of political life, the importance of due process, and the personal toll that public accusations can take. As Arenillas steps away from institutional politics, the repercussions of this episode are likely to continue shaping the dynamics within Más Madrid.
