Spanish politician Amparo Rubiales quits after calling rival politician a “Jewish Nazi”

Amparo Rubiales has announced her intention to step down after calling a rival politician a “Jewish Nazi.”

The former Chair of the Andalusia branch of the ruling Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party made the comment about centre-right Popular Party politician Bendodo Benasayag. 

AfterMr Bensaygag said that “Spain is not strong enough to withstand another five years under [Prime Minister] Pedro Sánchez”, Ms Rubiales tweeted: “This is really the discourse of a Nazi Jew.”

Following criticism, Ms Rubiales is reported to have tweeted: “I have nothing against Jews and everything against Nazis.”

The Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain condemned Ms Rubiales’ comment, stating: “This is antisemitism…it is intolerable and despicable to use the origin, tendencies, belonging or religion of an adversary to make a political criticism.

“We also reiterate that the use of terms that have to do with Nazism to compare people or situations of the present time, supposes the trivialisation of one of the most criminal regimes in History.”

The Andalusia branch of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party described its former Chair’s comment as “unacceptable” and “objectionable”.

Campaign Against Antisemitism reports on news and incidents relating to antisemitism throughout Europe.