Feijóo Blasts Sánchez in Congress Debate Over DANA Response
In a heated debate on Wednesday, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the People's Party (PP), criticized Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for his handling of the recent DANA disaster. Feijóo accused Sánchez of showing 'zero self-criticism' regarding his government's management of the situation, instead of taking accountability. He asserted that Sánchez should have declared a national emergency immediately in response to the catastrophe, which has left over 220 dead.
Feijóo charged that Sánchez's approach has been to shift blame onto others rather than addressing the government's shortcomings. He stated, 'You appear late and above all, you do it to cover yourself from the whole plague of lies and corruption that surrounds you.' This assertion was made during a full Congress debate focusing on the tragic events tied to the DANA.
The leader of the PP urged Sánchez to step down, highlighting his belief that a prime minister focused primarily on protecting himself legally cannot adequately safeguard citizens. 'All efforts should be directed toward reconstruction and preventing future disasters like the DANA,' Feijóo declared.
He called out Sánchez for his perceived political calculations, emphasizing that the prime minister should be the first to apologize for the government's failure to act decisively during the crisis. The PP leader expressed concern that 'people will not forgive him for not exercising his powers, nor will they forgive him for his abandonment' in the face of tragedy.
At the heart of Feijóo's argument was the claim that Sánchez's presence in Congress, nearly a month after the disaster struck, was too late. He noted, 'You come to this Chamber to talk about the floods, but you don’t do it for those affected, you do it for yourself, as always, to hide from the corruption cases that bear your name.' This statement encapsulates his view of Sánchez's priorities during a time of national crisis.
Feijóo’s remarks underscore a growing sentiment among some political leaders and citizens alike that effective government action and accountability are crucial during emergencies. The ongoing humanitarian and logistical challenges following the DANA have intensified scrutiny of the government’s response and overall governance in Spain.
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