A heated debate continues in Spain over Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s proposed nationwide agreement aimed at addressing the consequences of climate change. The initiative was announced amid devastating wildfires that have already destroyed more than 344,000 hectares of forest this year, according to the European Copernicus program.
Leaders of the Partido Popular (PP), who control the governments in Castilla y León, Galicia, and Extremadura—regions most affected by the fires—have sharply criticized the prime minister’s proposal. In their view, this is an attempt to divert public attention from real problems and politicize the situation. Opposition representatives argue that instead of discussing new agreements, the authorities should have responded more swiftly to the regions’ requests for additional resources, including military units, to help extinguish the fires.
Prime Minister Sánchez interrupted his vacation to personally visit the hardest-hit areas in Galicia and Castilla y León. He emphasized that Spain is facing the consequences of the climate crisis and called on all political forces to unite in developing long-term solutions to more effectively prevent and address the aftermath of natural disasters.
The government notes that the current wildfires and last year’s floods are not isolated incidents, but a direct consequence of global warming. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Ecological Transition Sara Aagesen stated that coordination at all levels of government and support for a unified pact are needed to strengthen the country’s readiness for new challenges.
However, the opposition insists that such initiatives do not address current problems. According to PP representatives, the public expects concrete action from the authorities, not political declarations. They emphasize that responsibility for wildfire prevention and suppression largely lies with regional administrations, but that it is impossible to tackle a disaster of this scale without central government support and increased funding.
Among the opposition’s demands are increased funding for wildfire prevention and response, as well as a review of the allocation of resources between regions according to the size of forested areas. PP representatives reminded that the national budget remains frozen, and called on the government to adopt new financial measures that would enable a more effective response to natural disasters.
At the same time, Vox, a party known for its skeptical stance on climate change, also did not support the government initiative, preferring not to make loud statements against the backdrop of ongoing wildfires and extreme heat.
The government has already faced difficulties advancing other environmental initiatives, such as the recent emergency energy decree, which failed to gain enough support in parliament. Authorities warn that refusing to cooperate on climate issues could lead to even greater losses for the country.
Spain already has a climate change law, adopted in 2022, as well as several adaptation programs for new conditions. In the coming months, the government plans to present an updated action plan, with a particular focus on preparing and equipping the services responsible for preventing and responding to natural disasters.
The debate over the climate pact has once again heightened tensions between the central government and the regions. The distribution of powers and resources remains a key issue in the fight against natural disasters, which scientists predict will become more frequent in the coming years.
