Regulatory measures and political debate surround energy savings decree
Maria Jesús Montero, the Minister of Finance, engaged in dialogue with autonomous communities about the royal decree on energy conservation recently approved by the Government. In her public comments, she emphasized that compliance with the law must be universal and non-negotiable, noting that the decree lays out clear rules for all regions to follow. Montero underscored that vigilance and enforcement are essential, especially as local governments work to implement the precautionary packages that accompany the decree and its recommendations. Her message was that these steps are necessary to maintain security of energy supply while curbing consumption. This stance aligns with the government’s broader objective of ensuring a stable energy market and safeguarding households and businesses from gas shortages. In subsequent remarks she praised the support of traders and industrialists who have stood with the policy, calling it a lesson in patriotism and a call to act with common sense as austerity measures are carried out. (Attribution: Official government briefing)
Regrets Feijóo’s attitude
During this period, the People’s Party (PP) and its leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo faced scrutiny for opposing the measures. Montero pointed out that when there are concerns, opposition should be expressed through constructive dialogue rather than rejection without a full reading of the decree. She argued that the decree is reasonable for all citizens and maintains that the main opposition has not demonstrated a clear justification for its stance. This exchange highlights the political tension surrounding energy policy and the balanced approach the government seeks to maintain. (Attribution: Government briefing notes)
Montero advised Feijóo to align his party’s stance with the framework established by the decree and to consider the trend in other regions, including Madrid, which have already supported or challenged elements of the policy in public forums. She referenced a constitutional court challenge as part of the ongoing debate, asserting that the government’s approach was guided by a broader mission to respond to the energy crisis within EU guidelines. (Attribution: Ministerial remarks)
Montero also urged the opposition to recognize the unity of purpose in addressing the energy challenge, pointing out that the decision to pursue these measures occurred in consultation with European Union partners. She noted that Spain has set a 7% reduction target for gas consumption, a figure that sits within a wider European context where several countries are pursuing higher or similar reductions. The discussion stressed that the aim is to protect citizens from volatile energy prices while maintaining essential service delivery. (Attribution: Policy briefing)
Concerning remarks from Pedro Rollán, the PP’s Deputy Secretary for Regional and Local Coordination, describing the decree as a “report card,” Montero responded firmly that such language reflects a political posture rather than a factual assessment. She suggested that using dismissive terms amounts to denying the policy’s objectives and detracting from constructive debate. The exchange underscores the ongoing negotiation between governing coalitions and opposition parties as they interpret the decree’s impact on local economies. (Attribution: Press conference transcript)
In the broader context of economic policy, Montero referenced international developments, including Germany’s plan to introduce substantial tax relief to tackle inflation. She noted that Spain has already implemented measures such as reductions in fuel costs and electricity bills, along with social protections like improved non-contributory pensions and a basic income guarantee. These steps are framed as a comprehensive response to the energy and inflation challenges facing households. (Attribution: Economic policy briefing)