Madrid Mayor Expresses Concern Over Rosalía's Album Launch Event Safety

José Luis Martínez-Almeida, the Mayor of Madrid, has raised concerns regarding the recent album launch event held by Spanish singer Rosalía in Plaza de Callao, stating that the City Council is currently assessing potential sanctions against the artist due to safety issues that arose during the gathering. The mayor emphasized that while the city is pleased to host an artist of Rosalía's caliber in such a significant location, the event's execution posed risks to public safety. In a statement from Casa de Campo, Almeida pointed out that the police report indicated serious security disturbances, resulting in the deployment of eight police units to manage unexpected traffic diversions. He noted that anti-riot units had to intervene in attempts to prevent crowds from crossing Gran Via, thereby jeopardizing both their safety and the safety of vehicles in the area. Access to the nearby Metro station had to be restricted, and public transportation services faced significant disruptions due to the lack of prior authorizations for the event. Almeida stated that the gathering saw more than 500 attendees, and under current regulations, organizing such a public assembly necessitates prior communication with local authorities once the estimated audience surpasses 20 people. While voicing the importance of adhering to safety protocols, Almeida expressed his hope that Madrid could continue to be a welcoming venue for artists like Rosalía. He has urged the need to conduct such events without compromising the well-being of concert-goers and the daily lives of residents who rely on public transport, stressing that there is always a way to do things differently. The City Council is actively considering what actions to take regarding this incident, including whether further sanctions against the singer are warranted. Even with these issues at hand, Almeida conveyed a conciliatory message, highlighting Madrid's experience in hosting large events and its readiness to support artists, provided that safety remains a top priority. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2