Unity and Resilience: A Call for Solidarity in Spain's Challenges
Good evening and thank you for allowing me to accompany you for a few moments on such a special night of gathering and celebration. Alongside the Queen, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía, I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas Eve.
Tonight, I cannot overlook the tragic DANA that struck with unusual force across eastern and southern Spain nearly two months ago, particularly in Valencia. The lives lost and those still missing deserve our deepest respect; we must never forget the sorrow and pain left in their families' hearts. Thousands of people witnessed their towns, neighborhoods, workplaces, homes, and schools ravaged or completely obliterated. Coming to terms with such harsh realities is difficult, but it is crucial to extract lessons that strengthen our society and foster growth.
The images of the floods are indelible—people in distress, some elderly and sick, struggling to escape their vehicles or seeking refuge on roofs. The spirit of solidarity shone brightly as neighbors opened their homes to the vulnerable, opposing the relentless tide of water and mud with compassion and humanity. Volunteers, civil protection teams, firefighters, security forces, armed forces, NGOs, and companies joined efforts to aid over 800,000 affected individuals, supporting their gradual recovery.
This solidarity in its purest form has manifested through the tireless work of anonymous volunteers and dedicated public servants. We have also seen the emotional responses of frustration, pain, and the demand for better coordination from authorities. These feelings arise from a common awareness of the good of the community—a crucial expression of our societal bond that transcends differences and disagreements.
The common good must be a focus of every institution and public administration, clearly reflected in political discourse and decisions. Despite our diversity of opinions, it is essential to preserve a shared space that nurtures consensus on what benefits everyone. We must address pressing issues together: international instability, public discourse challenges, housing accessibility, and immigration management, among others.
Immigration poses complexities and social sensitivities tied to various historical causes. Understanding that population movements have shaped present societies allows us to welcome this reality, but it also requires effective management to avoid tensions that undermine social cohesion. We must commit to integration efforts, recognizing the dignity of every individual while maintaining firmness against human trafficking networks. Our approach to immigration will reflect our democratic values and commitment to being cohesive members of the global community.
Another pressing concern is the challenge of accessing housing, particularly for the younger population. Urban areas, seen as growth poles, generate demands that often exceed supply. It is vital for stakeholders to engage in dialogue, investigating options that pave the way for accessible housing, which is fundamental to the stability of numerous life projects.
Moreover, the external environment impacts us in increasingly complex ways. The integrity of international law is in question; violence is misused; the universality of human rights is challenged; and multilateralism faces scrutiny in addressing global issues like climate change and resource scarcity. The very essence of democracy is debated.
In this precarious context, Spain and our European Union partners must resolutely defend the cores of liberal democracy, human rights, and social welfare achievements. Our shared identity and legacy to future generations reside in the idea of Europe, making it our most significant point of reference for values and behaviors.
Internally, the 1978 Constitution embodies our agreement on essentials, a constitution born from consensus that asserts our democracy and safeguards our rights. Cultivating this spirit is imperative for strengthening institutions and maintaining public trust.
A pact of coexistence must thrive on dialogue, fostering clarity and mutual respect in defining collective interests. Political legitimacy should not drown out the pressing demand for serenity in public life, which is critical for nurturing societal progress and addressing collective needs.
The recent reform of Article 49 regarding people with disabilities stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we come together. Spain is a great country—our rich history, despite its dark chapters, illustrates our exemplary democratic evolution. Despite challenges with poverty and social exclusion, our economy shows promising growth, employment rates, and social welfare standards.
The future primarily depends on our youth, who have excelled in Olympic and Paralympic Games and European Championships, despite facing unemployment figures. This tenacious youth continues to strive for improvement and justice, propelled by the spirit of merit and effort. We witnessed their remarkable commitment in the aftermath of DANA, filling our streets with hope and support for the affected communities.
As we reflect on this spirit of collective duty to the common good, I return to the municipalities affected by the floods. Those communities need continued support to rebuild what has been lost, confronting future challenges with courage and dignity. Let our unity in these trying moments persist in every gesture, action, and decision.
May we quickly meet the needs of those who struggle, reinforcing our sense of community and our identity as a nation. The memory of our past, our trust in the present, and our hopeful outlook on the future are integral parts of our common good. As we enter the new year, I wish you all along with the Queen and our daughters a Merry Christmas.
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