The mayor of Vox who is investigated as responsible for the fire in La Mierla: "Farmers are not criminals"

The mayor of Robledillo de Mohernando, Rubén Marchamalo of the far-right party Vox, has denied responsibility for the wildfire that engulfed La Mierla, stating that farmers are not criminals. Marchamalo was under investigation for allegedly starting the fire while harvesting crops, but he responded to public support shown during a spontaneous demonstration near the affected area in Tamajón. In a message shared via instant messaging, Marchamalo expressed gratitude for the show of solidarity and defended the role of the agricultural sector. In his message, Marchamalo thanked the farmers who attended the gathering in Tamajón, emphasizing that their presence was not only in support of him personally but also of the entire primary sector, which he argued deserved respect. He stated, “We are not criminals, we are farmers and ranchers,” according to a report by Europa Press. As the mayor of the town, Marchamalo also acknowledged the unity, commitment, and example set by the primary sector in the region. He noted that the attendees had demonstrated that when the rural world is unfairly attacked with false news, misinformation, or laws disconnected from the reality of farming, they would respond with dignity and solidarity. He further expressed appreciation for the support received, highlighting its special value as a farmer. “Thank you for being there, without political interests, defending the honest work of those who live and care for our land every day. Our sector needs to be heard once and for all, understood, respected, and not pointed out or used.” Marchamalo apologized for not being able to attend the “spontaneous call” due to the situation he found himself in, explaining that the afternoon turned abruptly difficult for him. He added that many were aware of the reasons behind his absence, so he did not feel the need to provide further explanations. He concluded by thanking everyone for attending. The gathering took place amid heightened tension, as captured in images posted by the local media outlet Nueva Alcarria on its Instagram profile. Some participants shouted at the media present, saying things like “he hasn’t committed a crime, he’s working” or expressing frustration with the press coverage, calling it shameful. The incident involving the wildfire in La Mierla has sparked debate over the role of agricultural practices in such disasters. Marchamalo's response highlights the broader tensions within rural communities regarding their treatment by authorities and the media. His message underscores the deep-seated concerns among farmers about being unfairly targeted or stigmatized. Local officials have been investigating the cause of the fire, which caused significant damage to the surrounding areas. The inquiry into Marchamalo's involvement has drawn attention to the challenges faced by rural populations in Spain, particularly those engaged in traditional farming and livestock activities. The demonstration in Tamajón reflected the emotional and social dynamics at play in the wake of the incident. Participants showed strong support for Marchamalo and the agricultural community, challenging perceptions that might portray them negatively. Their actions emphasized the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis. Authorities continue to assess the evidence related to the origin of the fire. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether Marchamalo faces legal consequences for his alleged role in the incident. Meanwhile, the voices of farmers and rural residents remain prominent in discussions about the treatment of their sector by both the government and the media.