The director of the National Center for Oncological Research (CNIO), María Blasco, has affirmed that she will remain in her position despite the criticisms and negative reports that have arisen regarding her management. In this regard, Blasco has submitted a written complaint to the Prosecutor's Office denouncing irregularities at the CNIO and holding the managing director, Juan Arroyo, responsible for the center's possible irregularities.
Blasco has highlighted two main aspects of the accusations against her: problems in two tenders and workplace harassment, for which she claims the responsibility lies with the managing director. Additionally, she has taken legal action against three media outlets that did not publish her rectification requests.
In the midst of this controversy, Blasco has denied the information linking her to the committee responsible for managing the complaints, arguing that if anyone created a conflict of interest within the committee, it was the managing director's responsibility to remove that person. She has also pointed out that it was that person's duty to activate the workplace harassment protocols and has assured that she has only received one harassment complaint that did not progress.
The director has requested to intervene in the CNIO Board meeting, which was meant to deliberate on her future in the position, as she believes that some board members arrive at the meeting without all the necessary information. Blasco has reiterated her criticisms of the managing director, continuing the dispute she had already expressed in her previous open letter regarding the center's direction.
