Spain has marked a historic milestone in disability representation after Mar Galcerán became the country’s first parliamentarian with Down syndrome to take a seat in a regional assembly in Valencia.
The 45-year-old entered politics at 18 when she joined Spain’s conservative People’s Party. She steadily rose through the party’s ranks and was eventually included among its candidates for Valencia’s 2023 regional elections. Ranked 20th on the party list, she later won a seat in the regional parliament and was sworn in in September 2023.
Galcerán’s entry into politics came after more than 20 years in public service. She worked as a civil servant in Valencia, contributing to policies promoting inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. She also spent four years heading Asindown, a Valencian group supporting families of children with Down syndrome.
Galcerán said her election reflects a broader shift in how society views the capabilities of people with Down syndrome. “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 Guardian.
Disability advocates hailed her election as a significant breakthrough for political inclusion. Agustín Matía Amor of Down España said,
“We haven’t heard of anyone else. It’s a huge step forward and an example of real inclusion.”
Her achievement builds on previous milestones in disability representation, including Ángela Bachiller, who became Spain’s first city councillor with Down syndrome in Valladolid in 2013. Galcerán also joins a small group of people with Down syndrome to enter elected office, including Éléonore Laloux in France and Fintan Bray in Ireland.
While her election drew widespread support as well as criticism online, Galcerán said some people still questioned her ability to hold public office. She hopes her role will help challenge longstanding prejudices against people with Down syndrome. “I want people to see me as a person, not just for my disability.”
