Spanish Congress Approves Proposal to Lower Blood Alcohol Limit Amidst Controversy
In a significant move, the Congress of Spain has agreed to process a proposal from the Socialist Party (PSOE) that seeks to lower the maximum blood alcohol limit for drivers from 0.5 grams per liter to 0.2 grams per liter of exhaled air. The proposal garnered broad support from most political groups, although the conservative Popular Party (PP) abstained from the vote, and the far-right Vox party outright rejected it.
The discussion unfolded during a plenary session, where Manuel Arribas of the PSOE defended the legislation, highlighting that countries like Sweden and Norway maintain similar blood alcohol levels, supported by various international health organizations. He referenced troubling statistics from the National Institute of Toxicology, indicating that 33% of drivers involved in fatal accidents had alcohol in their system, as did 29% of pedestrians. Arribas stressed the need for this measure to combat the tragic reality of road fatalities linked to alcohol, urging fellow lawmakers to consider the impact on families affected by such tragedies.
Despite this, the PP's Bella Verano criticized the initiative, declaring it a mere distraction from the government’s supposed failures in traffic management and safety. She referred to the measure as flashy but ineffective, accusing the PSOE of using it as a smokescreen for deeper issues within the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT).
Vox's deputy, Francisco José Alcaraz, condemned the proposal, arguing that saving lives and socialism were incompatible concepts. He claimed the government was merely seeking to scapegoat drivers while imposing revenue-generating measures disguised as safety initiatives. His comments were deemed excessive by the Speaker of the Chamber, who opted to strike them from the official record.
Other parties such as PNV, Junts, ERC, and Sumar have expressed their support for processing the initiative but plan to propose amendments during the legislative process. As the debate continues, the fate of the proposal rests on the collaborative efforts of various political factions, raising questions about the prioritization of road safety against political posturing in Spain.
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