SPAIN FIST PARLIAMENTARIAN WITH DOWN’S SYNDROME APPOINTED
Mar Galceran made history in Spain after she was appointed to parliament as the first person with Down’s syndrome.
The 45-year-old said what she has achieved in her career is “unprecedented”.
“Society is starting to see that people with Down’s syndrome have a lot to contribute. But it’s a very long road.”
Galceran joined the country’s People’s Party when she was only 18 years old.
The Guardian reports that slowly she worked her way up the party apparatus. Her commitment paid off last Mau when she was added as the 20th name on the list of candidates the PP was fielding in Valencia’s regional elections.
The comments about Galceran’s appointment were mixed. In an interview, she said there was good and bad support.
You find all sorts on social media. There are people who support me. But there are also others who think I’m not capable. But these are people who don’t know me or my background.”
Galceran said that her appointment should be highlighted for what she’s doing, not for her disability.
“I want people to see me as a person, not just for my disability.”
Image credit: Tunisia News