The head of the central Madrid region said in a series of tweets on Monday and today that the measures approved by the cabinet will “cause insecurity and scare tourism and consumption”.
The mayor of Madrid Isabel Diath Ayusowhere had refused to implement the restrictions against COVID-19 during the pandemic, he again came into conflict with the Spanish government, this time over the measures to limit energy consumption in all member countries of the European Union.
The head of the central region, one of Spain’s richest, said in a series of tweets on Monday and today that the measures approved by the cabinet would “cause insecurity and scare tourism and consumption”.
The plan, which includes temperature limits for businesses, museums and public transport as well as restrictions on street lighting, was adopted after the European Union agreed on July 26 to cut gas consumption by 15% in the August-May period in order to save energy for an uncertain winter threatened by supply disruptions from Russia.
The EU deal included a wide range of exceptions, however, and opposition at the regional level may exacerbate problems with its implementation.
The Spanish measures, published today in the Government Gazette, must be implemented in seven days, after which those who violate them will face fines of 100-30,000 euros.
“This will not apply to the Madrid region. Madrid is not going dark,” Aguiso wrote. “Before we shut down, ban, lockout, why don’t we talk to citizens and administrations like adults and ask them to cooperate on clear criteria?”
Ayuso, who comes from the conservative Popular Party, has clashed with the leftist minority coalition government for most of the pandemic, defying measures to contain the virus with her own, looser strategy for Madrid.
“We are used to this type of response from Ms. Agiuso, she always shows a lack of solidarity and selfishness,” Finance Minister Nadia Calvinio told Cadena Ser radio station today, arguing that energy-saving measures are mandatory for regional governments.
Also known as the “Iron Lady of Madrid”, Agiuso won the 2021 regional elections by a landslide after allowing shops, restaurants and nightclubs to remain open during the pandemic to protect businesses.
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