Born: 1943 (A Coruña, Spain)
Biography:
María Dolores García Cotarelo was born on August 17, 1943, in A Coruña, Spain. She is a Spanish politician who has made significant contributions to the field of politics.
García Cotarelo initially became involved in politics in 1975 when she joined a clandestine socialist organization. During this period, she and her then-husband, Ángel Díaz Sol, became key figures in the socialist community of Granada. However, Garcia Cotarelo’s political activities had to remain underground due to the oppressive political climate at the time.
With the onset of the democratic transition in Spain, García Cotarelo’s political activities were able to be more open. She went on to become the Deputy Mayor of Culture at the City Hall of Granada, a position that allowed her to make significant contributions to the city’s cultural development.
In 1982, García Cotarelo was involved with the International Theater Festival of Granada project, dealing with challenges arising from the political situation at the time. She also proposed the Rimado de Ciudad project in 1983, which aimed to promote the city’s cultural heritage.
However, García Cotarelo faced legal troubles in 1984 when she was prosecuted for insulting religion. She had allowed a comic depicting a priest holding up his cassock to reveal an inverted cross, a controversial symbolism, to be included in an exhibition she organized. This act violated Article 209 of the Penal Code, leading to her prosecution. García Cotarelo defended herself by stating that the times of censorship had passed and the municipality should take responsibility for the exhibit. She was acquitted in June 1985, highlighting the importance of freedom of expression within a democratic society.
While serving as the Deputy Mayor of Culture, García Cotarelo also played a crucial role in supporting the local music scene and bringing carnival celebrations to the city. She was known for her dedication to promoting cultural activities that enriched the lives of Granada’s residents.
García Cotarelo continued to be involved in politics, remaining active within the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) in 2017. Her commitment to public service and the betterment of society has been unwavering throughout her career.
In 2018, García Cotarelo was honored by the Townhall of Granada as one of eleven women who helped bring democracy to the city. This recognition highlights her role in the restoration of democracy in Granada and acknowledges her valuable contributions to the political landscape.
María Dolores García Cotarelo’s career in politics has been marked by resilience, dedication, and a commitment to promoting cultural development. She has left a lasting impact on Granada’s political and cultural landscape, making her an important figure in Spanish history.