Madrid, February 2012. - In his first appearance before the Culture Committee of the Congress of Deputies on February 2, 2012, the new Minister of Culture, José Ignacio Wert, has confirmed that the government will promote and encourage bullfighting as the Popular Party had forewarned in its election manifesto.

Wert, a pro-bullfighter, went so far as to assert that the spectacles with bulls are part of the culture and that "the Government, in collaboration with other public authorities, will take measures to ensure that these events are valued as a cultural asset."

He went on to say that the govern will support, "the extension of aid for cultural action and advocacy to nonprofit organizations in the world of bullfighting.” In addition they would support the creation of a campaign of communication designed to "reveal" the cultural, socioeconomic and environmental aspects of bullfighting as a whole ".

He also stated that his government "will actively participate in national and international initiatives" to take charge of the job of getting bullfighting declared an Intangible Heritage of Humanity with UNESCO '. He asserts that France has already made this same demand. This is not in fact true at present although the French government has registered, bullfighting as a part of  cultural heritage of France.

In addition Juan Manuel Albendea, President of the Cultural Commission of the Congress of Deputies, in an interview with El Pais, January 31, 2012, made it clear that the Government will support bullfighting events as much as possible. He added that it is essential to reinstate broadcasts of bullfights to Spanish television. He also stated that when the financial crisis permits, it is intended to reduce the rate of VAT charged on entry to fights to 8%, the same level as that for cinema and theater. Albendea, acknowledged that "the crucial problem lies in the ability to encourage the youth to become interested in bullfighting, otherwise, these events will vanish. With fans of my age only, they will not be sustainable." For this reason, no doubt, the Madrid region, presided over by another pro-bullfighter, Esperanza Aguirre, has decided to promote bullfighting among school children in Madrid, organizing guided tours of the bullring Plaza de Las Ventas.

This situation must be taken seriously. Ong ADDA urges all its members and supporters to support and disseminate our campaign "SOS against bullfights” which is collecting signatures to present to UNESCO as proof of the overwhelming desire of the citizens to reject the barbarism of the bullfights.