Spain's PP Pressures Sánchez at Conference of Presidents on April 28 Blackout; Red Eléctrica's Corredor Denies Faults Amid Planned PP March

The recent nationwide blackout in Spain, which occurred on April 28, has become a focal point of political and energy sector debates. The ruling Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and the opposition People's Party (PP) are clashing over the causes and consequences of the blackout. The PP has pressured Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to address issues including the blackout, immigration, train services, and free early childhood education during the Conference of Presidents. The PP has also presented a motion demanding government clarity on the blackout's causes and has expressed suspicions of a pact between Sánchez and Red Eléctrica, the state-controlled electricity grid operator.

Red Eléctrica's president, Corredor, has stated that investigations found no technical or legal faults in the blackout and that the company will not provision for indemnities related to the event. Corredor emphasized the legal obligation to collect relevant data from electricity companies, although these companies have cited legal confidentiality in withholding information. Experts from ENTSO-E have requested government assistance to obtain critical data from energy firms. The government reportedly attempted to shift blame from Red Eléctrica to private energy companies. Meanwhile, regional governments led by the PP have forced a revised agenda for talks with Sánchez, including discussions on the Catalan quota and energy issues. In response to the blackout, Catalonia is debating around 100 battery plant projects aimed at strengthening the energy infrastructure. The blackout has intensified political tensions, with the PP planning a march against the government shortly after the conference, while also engaging in talks without expectations of agreement. Editorial commentary suggests the government is focusing public attention on private energy companies to protect Red Eléctrica, which remains under government control. Proposals for an 'anti-blackout' energy model promoting hybrid installations to stabilize Spain's agricultural sector have also been discussed.