Antonio Sanz, Andalusia’s vice president, will explain the Los Gallardos wildfire in Parliament. The fire killed 13 and burned 7,000 hectares. Opposition parties demand answers from President Moreno.
The Andalusian government’s response to the devastating wildfire in Los Gallardos (Almería) is set to be scrutinized in Parliament after Vice President Antonio Sanz formally requested to appear and provide explanations. The fire, which resulted in 13 fatalities and destroyed 7,000 hectares, has triggered sharp demands from opposition parties for accountability at the highest level.
While the opposition had called for President Juan Manuel Moreno to personally address the chamber, it will be Sanz, who also oversees the Presidency, Health, and Emergency portfolios, taking the floor. The request for his appearance will be discussed by the Junta de Portavoces this Wednesday, with the session expected to be scheduled for the 23rd, according to parliamentary sources. The same session will also see the election of Ana Mestre as the new parliamentary president, following Jesús Aguirre’s resignation amid coalition agreements between the Partido Popular (PP) and Vox.
President Moreno, speaking in Salobreña (Granada), expressed surprise at the opposition’s united demand for his presence, suggesting some critics are more interested in confrontation than constructive debate. He maintained that the government is open to providing information and urged opposition groups to recognize the administration’s actions in recent days.
María Jesús Montero, secretary general of the PSOE in Andalusia and socialist spokesperson, insisted that Moreno himself should answer questions rather than delegate to another cabinet member. She outlined a series of queries about the timeline of the emergency response, from the first sighting of smoke at 16:30 on Thursday to the full deployment of firefighting resources at 19:37. Montero refrained from speculating about the absence of an ES-Alert message to residents, stating she lacked sufficient data to judge the best communication method.
The debate over climate policy has also intensified. Montero criticized Moreno for inconsistency on climate change, referencing his earlier “green revolution” rhetoric and contrasting it with the 150-point agreement signed with Vox, which she argued undermines climate action. Moreno responded by emphasizing his personal commitment to climate issues, while acknowledging differences with Vox, particularly regarding the recognition of climate change.
Vox’s Manuel Gavira, the Junta’s second vice president, voiced dissatisfaction with the joint appearance of Moreno and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Almería, accusing politicians of using climate change as a distraction from their responsibilities. Gavira highlighted the coalition pact with the PP, which includes a review of regulations to allow agricultural workers to help maintain forested areas, as a key measure to prevent future disasters.
Por Andalucía also submitted a request for a government appearance in Parliament, with spokesperson Antonio Maíllo stating a preference for Moreno to attend. However, the opposition cannot compel the president to appear, and the responsibility will fall to the emergency services chief. Maíllo further argued that the PP-Vox agreement has resulted in a government that denies climate change, referencing Gavira’s previous remarks about “climate crazies.”
The Los Gallardos wildfire stands as one of the deadliest in recent Andalusian history, underscoring ongoing debates about emergency preparedness, climate policy, and political accountability. In Spain, wildfires have become more frequent and severe in recent years, often linked to prolonged droughts and rising temperatures. The incident has reignited calls for improved early warning systems and clearer protocols for public alerts. The outcome of the upcoming parliamentary session may influence future policy on wildfire prevention and crisis management in the region.
