The Deputy Secretary of Institutional Regeneration of the PP, Cuca Gamarra , criticized the current Government led by Pedro Sánchez , asserting that it has effectively abandoned the National Civil Protection Prevention System for the past seven years. Gamarra emphasized that there has been a significant reduction in aerial capabilities crucial for fire extinction, pointing to this inadequacy as a stark example of the government’s absolute incompetence . “They merely seek confrontation, polarization, and tension,” she stated in a recent press conference held in Logroño .
Government’s Inaction Amid Crisis
In light of the summer’s escalating crisis and emergency , Gamarra stated it is imperative to scrutinize what the Spanish Government is doing and has done. This coincided with Pedro Sánchez’s recent announcement regarding the formation of an interministerial commission designed to establish a State Pact against climate emergency. Gamarra remarked that this initiative, already mentioned by Sánchez back in 2018, reflects a lack of genuine action . “This reveals not only the absence of effective governance but also a tendency to offer mere smoke curtains to obscure their incompetence,” she added.
Systematic Failures and Inadequate Resources
Gamarra outlined the dire consequences stemming from the government’s failure to bolster its emergency response. “Many of the situations currently unfolding stem from incompetence,” she asserted. With no national emergency response mechanism akin to those in other European countries, Spain remains ill-equipped to handle emergencies effectively. She noted, “We should have had a well-defined system years ago. This is a responsibility with names and surnames—specifically, the Government of Pedro Sánchez .”
The absence of an updated National Emergency Plan exacerbates these issues. According to Gamarra, the current plan is outdated and fails to adhere to 2023 legislation . “The responsibility for this shortfall ultimately lies with the Government,” she implored.
Aerial Resources: A Cause for Concern
Examining the government’s aerial capabilities, Gamarra criticized the Court of Accounts’ findings that revealed many aerial resources are obsolete . Out of 18 planes, 8 were deemed no longer fit for service, highlighting a significant failure on the government’s part. “These obsolete planes will not be replaced until 2030 or perhaps even 2031. This is not just incompetence; it’s negligence,” she stated.
Additionally, Gamarra pointed out that since 2022, the government’s contracting of aerial resources had further diminished their fire-extinguishing capabilities. “This resulted in a staggering 40% reduction in our air capacity,” she alleged, questioning the competence of a government that allows such deterioration.
European Funds: Underutilized and Mismanaged
Turning to the European funds , Gamarra criticized the government for executing only 20% of the allocated 401 million euros . With 320 million euros remaining unutilized, she suggested that the absence of a competent government prioritizing citizen protection lies at the heart of this failure.
“These smoke curtains are not just a reflection of incompetence. They signify a government aimed more at confrontation and tension than at any positive action,” Gamarra stated. She illustrated her point by citing instances where regional presidents requesting resources were merely dismissed, underscoring what she labeled as bad faith on the government’s part.
Spain Deserves Better
Concluding her remarks, Gamarra emphasized that Spain deserves better than the current state of governance. She reiterated the citizens’ need for a government that prioritizes their safety and well-being—one that acts diligently and responsibly in times of crisis. Incompetence and negligence must not continue to define a government that should be dedicated to serving its people. The absence of a fulfilling and effective government structure has tangible consequences, particularly during these challenging times. It brings to light the essential need for reform and a commitment to better serve the Spanish populace.