Spain's government is under fire after it requested the European Union for firefighting aircraft that it had promised to have ready by May. The request, reported by El Mundo, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and regional leaders who argue that the delay in preparing the country's own fleet puts communities at risk during wildfire season.
In May, the government announced plans to acquire or lease a fleet of specialized firefighting planes. However, months later, those aircraft are not yet operational. Rather than deploying domestically ready units, the government has now turned to the EU's civil protection mechanism to borrow the same type of planes it had pledged to secure on its own.
The situation has prompted questions about the government's crisis management and procurement efficiency. Wildfires in Spain have become increasingly severe due to drought and heatwaves, making swift aerial response critical. Firefighting unions and regional authorities have voiced alarm, warning that the gap in readiness could lead to catastrophic losses.
Spain's Ministry of Ecological Transition has defended its actions, stating that the EU request is a complementary measure while domestic procurement processes are finalized. They emphasize that international cooperation is standard during peak fire seasons. Nonetheless, critics say the move reflects a broken promise and a lack of foresight.
The controversy comes as Spain prepares for what experts predict will be another intense fire season. The effectiveness of the government's response in the coming months will be closely watched by citizens and political opponents alike.