Mar Galcerán, a 45-year-old with Down’s syndrome, has made history by becoming Spain’s first parliamentarian with this condition.

Galcerán, has been passionate about politics since she was 18, when she joined the People’s Party, a conservative party in Spain whose embrace of tradition attracted her.

She ran as a candidate for the People’s Party in the regional elections of Valencia in May and has went on to secure a seat in the Corts Valencianes, the regional parliament.

Speaking to media outlets, Mar Galcerán, said: "It’s unprecedented. Society is starting to see that people with Down's syndrome have a lot to contribute. But it’s a very long road."

The People's Party leader Carlos Mazón congratulated Galcerán's win on X/Twitter; “Welcome Mar. Great news for politics, overcoming barriers.”

Galcerán’s achievement places her among the few people with Down’s syndrome who have overcome obstacles to join the political sphere. In 2020, France saw its first person with the genetic condition elected to public office, when Éléonore Laloux became a city council member. Similarly, Fintan Bray made history in 2022 when he became the first person with Down’s syndrome to hold a political position in Ireland.

Breaking barriers

SPUC’s Michael Robinson, Executive Director (Public Affairs and Legal Services), said: “SPUC congratulates Mar Galcerán on making history as Spain's first parliamentarian with Down's syndrome. Her triumph is a beacon of inspiration, breaking barriers and dismantling negative perceptions.

“It's truly inspiring to witness the undeniable truth that challenges like Down's syndrome do not define one's potential. Despite society's outdated perceptions, individuals with Down's syndrome continue to defy expectations, proving that they can lead fulfilling and successful lives.”