Maria del Carmen Galcerán Is Spain's First Parliamentarian with Down's Syndrome

Societal attitudes towards inclusivity have been evolving, thanks to awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts. The recognition of the competencies of differently abled individuals is challenging stereotypes, promoting a more inclusive and accepting society.

In Spain, 45-year-old Maria del Carmen Galcerán (more popularly known as Mar Galcerán) has achieved the distinction as the very first woman with Down’s syndrome to serve as a regional deputy, specifically in the Parliament of Valencia.

Galcerán, a longstanding member of the People’s Party (PP), previously ran in the May 28, 2023 Valencian regional election, but narrowly missed gaining a seat. But with the appointment of deputy Ernesto Fernández Pardo as the director general of the Valencian Housing and Land Entity (EVHA), Galcerán was appointed in September to assume the vacated seat.

ALSO READ:

The Story Behind Spain's Infamous Zoo That Featured Philippine Animals... And Then Filipinos

Defense and Deterrence: Inside Spain's P100 Billion Bid to Supply Submarines to the Philippines

The Forgotten Story of Spain's Penal Colonies in the Philippines

Who is Mar Galcerán?

With a career spanning 26 years, the newly appointed Valencian deputy has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public service, serving in various governmental and non-governmental capacities. Galcerán, who had her Professional Training in Hospitality and Tourism at the Altaviana school in Valencia, started her political journey by joining PP at the age of 18, serving as an intern for 13 years within the Office of the President of the Generalitat Valenciana.

Since 2010, Galcerán has held a junior position in various departments, including roles in the Department of Social Security, the Department of Equality and Inclusive Policies, and currently, at the Ministry of Health and Public Health.

For four years, she has also led Asindown, a non-governmental organization devoted to supporting families with children affected by Down’s syndrome. In an interview, Galcerán said that one of the primary goals of the organization is to advocate for the normalization and inclusion of people with Down’s syndrome in society.

With her new role in the regional parliament, the Spanish legislator hopes to contribute in putting an end to society’s prevailing prejudices, particularly directed to individuals with Down’s syndrome. “I want people to see me as a person, not just for my disability,” she told The Guardian.

Unprecedented

Galcerán says her achievement of becoming Spain's first parliamentarian with Down's syndrome 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,” she told the British newspaper.

The online reactions following these turn of events have naturally been varied. “There are people who support me. But there are also others who think I’m not capable,” she said, adding, “but these are people who don’t know me or my background.”

In an interview with La Vanguardia, Galcerán says she attributes a huge part of her success to the support of her colleagues at PP, who have been “very nice” to her and who have made her feel at ease. She particularly expressed gratitude to PP's president Carlos Mazón for giving her the opportunity to take on the role of secretary within the party's division dedicated to differently-abled individuals. She also highlighted Mazón’s personal endorsement in the previous regional elections.

Breaking barriers

Galcerán is one of the select few individuals with Down’s syndrome who have broken barriers, paving the way for greater inclusion in the political sphere.

In 2020, Éléonore Laloux achieved a historic milestone as the first person with the genetic disorder in France to be elected to public office, serving as a city council member in the northern town of Arras. In Ireland, Fintan Bray made history in 2022 by securing a political position.

Galcerán’s feat marks another milestone in Down's syndrome representation in Spanish politics, following Ángela Bachiller's groundbreaking win in 2013 as councilor in the northern city of Valladolid.