Massive Protests Erupt in Galicia Against Altri's Proposed Projects
Thousands of people converged in A Pobra do Caramiñal, Galicia this past Saturday, rising in unified opposition to the controversial macrocellulose plant proposed by the Portuguese company Altri in Palas de Rei, Lugo, as well as the potential reopening of the Touro copper mine in A Coruña. Organized by the Platform in Defense of the Ría de Arousa, the demonstration highlighted fears that both projects could severely threaten the water quality of the Ulla River and the Ría de Arousa, potentially jeopardizing the future viability of the region's agrilivestock sector due to anticipated contamination.
The protest march commenced at the local fish market, proceeding to the beach of O Areal, with fishing boats assembled in the Ensenada do Caramiñal amidst thick fog. Banners adorned with messages such as "In defense of our sea and our land" and "No to Altri, no to the Touro O Pino mine" showcased the sentiments of the demonstrators.
The galvanizing moment for this public outcry came shortly after the current government of Galicia, led by the Popular Party, approved the environmental impact declaration for Altri’s cellulose project in the Lugo region of A Ulloa. Xaquín Rubido, president of the Platform, underscored that the immense public response serves as a wakeup call for both the European authorities and the Sanchez-led government to reconsider public funding for the Portuguese business initiative.
Prominent political figures joined the demonstration, including Ana Pontón, head of BNG, and José Ramón Gómez Besteiro, secretary general of PSdeGPSOE, who both voiced their disapproval of the projects. Pontón implored the gathering tide of citizens, chanting "Altri no, Galicia yes," to echo loudly against the proposed projects, while Besteiro characterized the initiatives as unsustainable and misleading. He criticized the government for presenting Altri’s plant as a bioecological fiber factory while it was merely a massive cellulose operation that would create far fewer jobs than initially promised.
In an interview, Rubido expressed deep concerns over the long-term ramifications of these initiatives, which are granted concessions for 75 and 90 years, respectively. He claimed the projects' high water consumption would diminish the flow of the Ulla River, increasing pollution risks that could jeopardize both the river’s and the Ría’s ecosystem.
Demands for accountability were prominent, with calls for the resignations of the Councilor for the Sea and the Councilors for Environment and Industry within the Galician government. Rubido emphasized that the government had failed to address pressing local issues and had instead compounded them, asserting, "The Xunta needs to change course, and Rueda is responsible."
Pontón challenged the rationale for selecting Galicia over Portugal for Altri’s project, stating, "If the macrocellulose is so great, why don’t they want it in Portugal?" She condemned the government for perpetuating industrial practices reminiscent of Francoist policies in the 1960s, referencing the establishment of Ence in Pontevedra against public outcry.
Amidst the turmoil, María Jesús Lorenzana, the Councilor for Economy and Industry, accused opposing parties of inciting public discontent, claiming that the protests were grassroots actions spurred on by the BNG. She dismissed the protests as being led by '21st-century communism,' framing them as unoriginal and politically motivated.
As the tension escalates between local communities, government, and industrial interests, this gathering serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle between environmental sustainability and industrial development in Galicia.
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