SEVILLE – The Andalusian regional premier Manuel Chaves said Thursday that he thought his successor should be a woman. His comments came during a short speech before Andalusia Day was celebrated at the regional parliament.

Chaves, of the Socialist party, said that "the moment had arrived" for a woman to take over the role. He did not, however, name a potential candidate.

When asked about the four women that died Tuesday due to domestic violence, he said that new measures should be taken to curb such crimes. Chaves blamed the violence on men who are driven by their "male chauvinistic instincts."

[Copyright EL PAÍS 2008]