Spanish Government Reshuffles as Teresa Ribera Moves to European Commission
On Monday, Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Government of Spain, announced a significant cabinet change, replacing Teresa Ribera as Third Vice President and Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge with Sara Aagesen, the current Secretary of State for Energy. This decision followed Ribera's appointment as Executive Vice President of the new European Commission, a maneuver that was reportedly facilitated after overcoming political hurdles.
Sánchez expressed his gratitude to Ribera for her contributions over the past six years in government, highlighting her international reputation in the fight against climate change. His praise continued as he noted that under Ribera's leadership, there was remarkable progress in renewable energy development, leading to reduced electricity bills for millions of families and businesses. He described her tenure as leaving a significant legislative and managerial legacy.
Ribera's new role as First Vice President of the European Commission with responsibilities in Competition is seen as a substantial triumph for both Spain and Europe, according to Sánchez. The transition came about in the wake of controversies, including a veto imposed by opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo. Sánchez spoke highly of Ribera’s career, stating, "her trajectory is beyond any doubt and represents the best of this country."
In a statement regarding Aagesen, Sánchez emphasized her ability to embody the same values of rigor and professionalism that Ribera did in her role. This transition is expected to continue the momentum in Spain’s ecological and energy policies.
In his remarks, Sánchez also took a moment to mourn the tragic death of a worker following a structural collapse at a school in Valencia, which was attributed to severe weather conditions. He expressed deep sorrow and reaffirmed his government's commitment to providing support for those affected by this disaster, ensuring that their lives would be reconstructed as swiftly as possible.
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