The Popular Party has strongly criticized María Blasco, director of the National Center for Cancer Research (CNIO), accusing her of diverting money intended for cancer research to purchase artwork. In response, the PSOE has defended Blasco and pointed out that the PP's accusation is an exaggeration.
In the Congress of Deputies, the PP and Junts suffered a double defeat as two decrees proposed by the Government were rejected. Despite the criticisms, it was decided to wait for the verdict of the extraordinary meeting of the CNIO board on January 29 to determine whether Blasco's explanations are sufficient and whether she should continue in her position since 2011.
Former president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, from the PSOE, was the one who appointed Blasco, not Mariano Rajoy, as a member of the party reminded the Popular Party. The PP has requested the appearance of an auditor and explanations regarding the fragmented contracts at the CNIO.
The PSOE has labeled Blasco's irregularities as an exaggeration and has considered that it is unnecessary to summon a minister for an internal management issue. Meanwhile, the PP insists on Blasco's dismissal and on not politicizing institutions unrelated to the political discussion.
It is expected that the Minister of Science and Innovation will appear next week after the irregularities of the CNIO director were revealed.
