The Minister of the Environment, Interior and Agriculture of the Community of Madrid, Carlos Novillo, has announced that the regional Government will launch its own Bullfighting Award with the help of the Toro de Lidia Foundation, after the central Government has announced that will dispense with these national awards due to “concern” for animal welfare.
“It is terrible news. It is turning our back on what our traditions are, on the identity of our country. One more attack from the Government that wants to dilute the idea of Spain so that it disappears,” Novillo said.
In statements to journalists during a visit to the Sanviver wineries in Fuenlabrada, the counselor stressed that this was a “historic award that was highly anticipated by the sector”, since it recognized the institutions “that had most supported a heritage culture that is protected by law.
“We are not going to allow it to be lost. We are already working with the Toro de Lidia Foundation to maintain that award,” said Novillo, who stressed that they want the award to continue “with that name” and for “the same jury to continue participating.” “.
Furthermore, the Community of Madird hopes that “it can be welcomed at the national level and that the rest of the autonomous communities also join this initiative”, with the aim that “it is not lost.”