Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared on Monday that "all possibilities remain on the table" regarding the causes of the extensive blackout that impacted the entire Iberian Peninsula and parts of France. He made these comments during an official broadcast on social media, urging the public to remain calm and act responsibly.
"Security protocols have been activated and the government has declared an electricity crisis," Sánchez stated following a Security Council meeting held at La Moncloa. He emphasized that the power outage was triggered by a "significant fluctuation in the European electrical system," though technical teams are still examining the precise cause of the incident. "We are still investigating the reasons. It's better not to speculate," the Prime Minister emphasized.
During his address, Sánchez requested that citizens minimize their travel, adhere strictly to information released by official channels, and refrain from spreading information of "questionable origin." He also advised the public to use mobile phones responsibly, limiting calls to brief communications and reserving the use of 112 for genuine emergencies.
The Prime Minister further informed that the government is in constant communication with the Royal Household, parliamentary groups, European partners, and NATO to coordinate actions and manage the crisis. Additionally, he revealed that the regions of Andalusia, Extremadura, and Madrid have requested to activate level three civil protection, prompting the government to take direct management of these affected areas.
Sánchez expressed optimism about the restoration of the electrical service, noting that hydroelectric plants have already been brought back online, although he refrained from committing to a specific timeline for the full normalization of supply. "Our priority is to work towards restoring normalcy as quickly as possible," he stressed.
He also highlighted that the recovery of electrical supply in some areas of northern and southern Spain was made possible by the cooperation of authorities in France and Morocco, to whom he extended his gratitude for their solidarity during the crisis. Sánchez pointed out that the blackout also had repercussions in southern France, attributing the root of the incident to the "European electrical system."
His address, which lasted just over seven minutes and did not allow for questions, concluded with the announcement of a new National Security Council meeting scheduled for 7:00 PM. The blackout, which commenced shortly after noon, has caused significant disruptions to infrastructure, telecommunications, and transportation across various regions in Spain and Portugal, as efforts continue to fully restore the electrical service.
FAQs on Spain's Recent Blackout
What caused the recent blackout in Spain?
The blackout was caused by a significant fluctuation in the European electrical system, though the exact cause is still under investigation.
How is the Spanish government responding to the blackout?
The Spanish government has activated security protocols, declared an electricity crisis, and is coordinating with various entities to manage the situation.
Which regions have been most affected by the blackout?
The blackout has significantly impacted regions across Spain, including Andalusia, Extremadura, and Madrid, as well as parts of Portugal and southern France.