The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, delivered a stark warning this Sunday regarding the concerning trajectory of Spanish foreign policy and the vulnerability of national borders against Morocco's expansionist ambitions. Speaking to the press in the Madrid town of Pelayos de la Presa, following her assessment of the areas devastated by recent wildfires in the Sierra Oeste and the initiation of reconstruction efforts, Ayuso highlighted the alarming situation at the southern border. She firmly asserted that, in the "medium to long term," the Moroccan kingdom will "attempt to take Ceuta and Melilla from us." Ayuso was unequivocal in her denunciation of the dire circumstances faced daily by Spanish citizens in both autonomous cities, emphasizing that "one must be in Ceuta to truly understand the intolerable invasion that our compatriots are enduring."
In her critique of the central government's management, Díaz Ayuso expressed her fear that recent events could merely be a "test from Morocco for what is to come," drawing attention to the troubling diplomatic neglect that Spain currently experiences. She lamented that Spain is unable to rely on the support of its international allies due to a gradual isolation dictated by the Moncloa, firmly stating, "we cannot expect external help, as Spain is becoming increasingly isolated and has alienated all Western countries that have a pulse."
In this regard, she painted a grim picture of Spain's international credibility, warning that "right now, in Europe, they look at us and wonder whether they will close air traffic because we are presenting the worst images and compromising the security and order of the entire continent. So, tell me, what kind of landscape is this?" Ayuso did not hold back in her direct criticisms of the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, regarding what she considers an "embarrassing and incomprehensible response to migratory blackmail" and assaults on national sovereignty, questioning why he would express gratitude to Morocco. "This is what we were missing. Which country thinks to thank them for this? What is happening is catastrophic," she added indignantly, labeling the Moncloa's response as a historical irresponsibility.
To conclude, the regional president aimed to send a strong message of support and solidarity with the beleaguered inhabitants of the autonomous cities and the State Security Forces, assuring that they will not "abandon" the citizens of Ceuta nor the National Police and Civil Guard stationed there, who find themselves in a critical situation where they cannot "face such an invasion."
Reconstruction Efforts in the Sierra Oeste
This Sunday, the President of the Community of Madrid visited the municipalities of Colmenar del Arroyo and Pelayos de la Presa to supervise the progress of the reconstruction efforts following the devastating wildfires in the Sierra Oeste. During her visit, the regional leader praised the resilience of the local population, emphasizing that the region’s municipalities are "wonderful, alive, and their people are still here." In this context, she made an explicit call for citizen solidarity, stating that "now more than ever, we must support local commerce, restaurants, shops, and all projects that generate numerous jobs." She also expressed gratitude to "the neighbors who are spending the summer here, fighting for their towns," extending recognition to "the police, the Civil Guard, and many professionals from various services" who chose to forgo their vacations to assist in mutual aid.
In light of this situation, Díaz Ayuso was adamant about the community's recovery capacity, confidently asserting that "with everyone's collaboration, we are convinced that we will overcome this," while optimistically noting that "the Sierra Oeste has a bright future ahead." In the agricultural and environmental sphere, the regional administration has activated a comprehensive emergency plan focused on ensuring the survival of animals and the swift regeneration of the natural environment. To respond immediately to the emergency, a budget of one million euros has been allocated for the distribution of 394,000 kilograms of forage and 60,000 liters of water, ensuring sustenance for over 5,500 livestock in the affected municipalities. This logistical effort is complemented by ongoing veterinary assistance in coordination with the Health Defense Groups and specialized professionals. Additionally, aid has been extended to wildlife through the distribution of 133,000 kilograms of food and another 60,000 liters of water. In the medium term, these interventions will be structured through a Landscape Recovery Plan designed to restore tree masses, vineyards, grasslands, and various agricultural operations impacted by the flames.
To revitalize the socioeconomic fabric of the region, the regional government will implement an ambitious cross-cutting program encompassing over 40 actions in the short, medium, and long term. Affected businesses will have access to direct aid of up to 10,000 euros allocated from a global fund of 15 million euros, along with a scheme of completely free guarantees aimed at SMEs and self-employed workers affected by the fires. This financial package will also include a set of significant tax incentives, notably a 100% discount on the Inheritance and Donations Tax, as well as on Property Transfer and Documented Legal Acts taxes for the acquisition of properties and vehicles replacing those destroyed. Meanwhile, municipalities affected by the fire will benefit from an 80% reduction in water supply tariffs provided by Canal de Isabel II.
Finally, the cleanup, waste removal, and rehabilitation efforts in the 17 municipalities affected will receive an injection of 20 million euros from the Regional Investment Program Reserve Fund. To expedite the most urgent works and restore basic services to over 56,000 residents in the area, the Community of Madrid has coordinated with mayors for the removal of debris using 60 containers and 20 heavy-duty vehicles. In terms of direct assistance to individuals, the establishment of Post-Fire Assistance Points (PATI) has enabled Citizen Attention Offices and SUMMA 112 to provide 445 psychological support sessions and address 648 inquiries for general information. Furthermore, to provide temporary shelter for displaced families, the regional administration has ensured housing in hotel establishments for 410 people in close collaboration with the Red Cross.
As reported by libertaddigital.com.
