Galizan MEP condemns government response to devastating wildfires

EFA MEP Ana Miranda, has strongly criticised the Galizan government’s handling of recent wildfires, describing them as “apocalyptic” and accusing officials of concealing the true scale of the devastation.

According to figures from the EU’s Copernicus satellite service, more than 145,000 hectares were destroyed by the blazes ,an area equivalent in size to London. In Ourense alone, 10% of its territory was burned.

The Galizan MEP said:

“Houses burned, animals killed, trees and farmland reduced to ashes, lives destroyed. Apocalyptic images and devastated landscapes. The Galician people were left alone.”

MEP Miranda praised the efforts of firefighters, volunteers and local residents who battled the fires, saying:

“And only thanks to the tireless work of firefighters, neighbours and volunteers, the fires were extinguished. From the European Parliament, I send you my deppes and heartfelt gratitude..”

The MEP accused the Galician government, led by President Alfonso Rueda of the Partido Popular, of “incompetence” and “lack of transparency.” She said:

“My country burned because of incompetence in fire prevention, because of the squandering of European funds which were not spent on preventive policies. They concealed the truth and lied, downplaying the tragedy of a country in flames by saying that only stones and bushes had burned.”

Ana Miranda, EFA MEP, warned that the destruction of farmland, biodiversity and rural livelihoods would accelerate depopulation, and called for urgent European support through mechanisms such as the EU’s RESTORE instrument to rebuild vital infrastructure.

“We must move from ashes to life, with a plan for the future of our rural communities.” She concluded.