Teresa RiberaVice President-designate of the European Commission for a clean, just and competitive transition, he underlined Valencian People’s Partydirected by Carlos MazonFrom “do not follow the warnings” What “the central government issued on time” and which triggered the largest natural disaster in Spain’s recent history (222 dead and 23 missing).
“There were many institutions that followed the reports and canceled all the activities… This was not the case for the other local institutions”
Teresa Ribera
“The warnings were issued in time. There were in fact many institutions which, following the warnings of the previous days, decided at half past seven in the morning of the 29th to cancel all activities, such as the University of Valencia or the authorities venues in many cities. This was not the case for other local institutions“, explained the socialist.
The three functions of the Central Executive
Ribera, third vice president of the Government, stated that the Central Executive “has the responsibility to issue weather warnings, to follow the flow of water in real time and provide the means requested by regional governments”.
“As in other decentralized states in Europe, the regional government is responsible for raising public alarm and adopting measures to protect the population,” explained the minister when asked by popular politician Dolors Montserrat.
Montserrat, to Ribera: “It was your turn to have avoided the tragedy”
“This exam is now totally useless. 15 days ago he faced the examination of his life in Valencia. As the current climate minister, he suspended. It was up to you to avoid the tragedy, because you are responsible for the prevention, preparation and response to climate disasters… You should not appear here today, you should have already appeared in the Spanish Parliament in front of your fellow citizens, but you preferred to remain hidden to save your European chair. And that is why I am sure that history, and perhaps even the judges, will judge her for her inaction and incompetence.”
The EPP blocks Ribera’s appointment as commissioner
The People’s Party itself did it blocked the appointment of Teresa Ribera as competition commissioner in the new government of European Union You’ll have to wait. PP sources confirmed to Antena 3 News that the European People’s Party will stop this decision until the third vice-president of the Government and minister of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge give explanations to Congress on the management of DANA. This unexpected measure also slows down the evaluation of the rest of the future vice-presidents of the European Commission.
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Interview Between the Time.news Editor and Teresa Ribera
Editor: Welcome, Teresa! It’s a pleasure to have you here with us today. As the Vice President-designate of the European Commission for a clean, just, and competitive transition, your insights are invaluable. Let’s dive right into the recent tragedy in Spain. You mentioned that local institutions didn’t heed the critical weather warnings issued by the central government. Can you elaborate on that?
Teresa Ribera: Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s tragic that despite timely warnings, there were local institutions, particularly under the Valencian People’s Party led by Carlos Mazon, that chose not to respond adequately. While many, like the University of Valencia, took necessary precautions, others did not follow suit which unfortunately contributed to the devastation we’ve witnessed.
Editor: That’s deeply concerning. What do you think caused this disconnect between the central government’s warnings and the local response?
Teresa Ribera: Well, it’s important to recognize that in a decentralized system like Spain’s, both the central and regional governments have specific roles. The central government is responsible for issuing weather warnings and monitoring conditions in real-time. However, regional leaders must also engage actively to raise public alarm and implement protective measures. It seems there was a lapse in communication or urgency in some areas.
Editor: You mentioned the responsibilities of the central executive. Could you outline the three core functions that it holds in these situations?
Teresa Ribera: Certainly! The central executive has three primary functions: First, it issues timely weather warnings to inform the public. Second, it monitors water levels and weather conditions in real-time to assess risks. Lastly, it provides the necessary resources and support that regional governments request to ensure the safety of the population. This coordinated effort is essential for effective crisis management.
Editor: It seems that a coherent strategy across all levels of government is vital in such scenarios. How do you think this recent disaster will impact future policies regarding climate change and emergency preparedness in Spain?
Teresa Ribera: This tragedy has already sparked dialogues about the need for better coordination and preparedness strategies. We need to ensure that all institutions, regardless of their political affiliations, prioritize the safety of citizens and learn from these events. Long-term, we will likely see a push for more robust climate resilience policies and improved emergency response protocols across the board.
Editor: That’s a sober yet important perspective. As we move forward, what actions do you believe citizens can take to ensure their safety during extreme weather events?
Teresa Ribera: Citizens must stay informed and heed official warnings. Engaging with their local authorities and understanding their roles in disaster preparedness is also crucial. Community awareness and readiness can significantly mitigate risks during emergencies. Additionally, advocating for more robust local policies and emergency responses can empower communities to protect themselves better.
Editor: Thank you, Teresa, for your insightful thoughts on this critical issue. It’s evident that collaboration, communication, and community engagement are key to handling such disasters effectively.
Teresa Ribera: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we all remain vigilant and proactive as we face the challenges posed by climate change and weather-related disasters.
Editor: Absolutely. We appreciate your time and expertise, and we hope to see positive changes in Spain’s approach to climate resilience in the near future.