Socialists from Almaraz Threaten to Leave the Party Over Threat of Nuclear Plant Closure. Groups of socialists from the Almaraz region are demanding that Pedro Sánchez preserve jobs at the nuclear power plant. They warn of economic risks and threaten to leave the party if a decision is not made.
A sharp conflict is brewing within the Socialist party in Extremadura: leaders and activists of the PSOE from municipalities surrounding Almaraz have sent a strong letter to Pedro Sánchez demanding immediate support for extending the operation of the Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant. The letter emphasizes that the plant’s closure, scheduled for 2027–2028, could lead to severe economic and social consequences for the entire northern region of Cáceres.
The authors of the letter note that the uncertainty surrounding the plant’s future is already undermining stability: thousands of families depend on the nuclear power plant, directly or through related businesses. According to them, the lack of real alternatives and delays in launching new industrial projects, including the anticipated AESC lithium gigafactory, are heightening anxiety and may accelerate the population exodus from an already demographically vulnerable region.
The manifesto pays particular attention to the political risks for the party itself: many PSOE members and supporters work at the plant or in affiliated companies. The document states that some local leaders are already questioning their continued participation in the party and are ready to resign their posts if a clear position on Almaraz is not taken. Municipalities within the plant’s area of influence also fear the loss of significant tax revenues needed to fund basic services.
The region's Socialists emphasize that the plant remains a key element of the energy system, especially after recent power supply disruptions. They do not understand why the government is delaying the decision to extend operations until 2030, even though the corresponding permit has already been granted. The statement also notes that this uncertainty allows other political forces to use the Almaraz issue for their own agenda, even though historically it has been the PSOE that has defended the interests of the region.
The leadership of PSOE of Extremadura, headed by the recently elected Álvaro Sánchez Cotrina, officially supports the extension of the plant’s operation, but distances itself from the ultimatum-like statements of local leaders. The regional executive insists that a decision on the extension will be made provided nuclear safety standards are met, energy supply stability is ensured, and there is no increase in costs for residents. At the same time, the party stresses that no one should have their PSOE loyalty questioned because of this situation.
The future of Almaraz has become one of the most pressing issues for the region. As ABC notes, the situation is further complicated by problems in agriculture, particularly in the tobacco sector, where more than 95% of national production is concentrated in this area. In addition, delays in launching new production facilities in the Expacio Navalmoral industrial park only increase pressure on the local economy.
In the final paragraph of the statement, the socialists demand a personal meeting with Pedro Sánchez to discuss the situation. It is important to note that similar conflicts between regional and central authorities over major infrastructure projects have repeatedly attracted public attention—in Madrid, for example, a court recently halted the construction of an industrial facility, sparking discussions about the balance between regional and central interests (more about the Montecarmelo court decision).
For reference: the Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant is the largest employer in the northern part of Cáceres, has been operating for over 40 years, and supplies a significant share of the region's energy balance. The question of its future directly affects the economy, employment, and demographic stability of the entire Extremadura region.
