César Sánchez, the People's Party (PP) spokesperson, was expelled from a Spanish Congress investigation committee today in Madrid, during a session probing the severe cold drop event of 29 October, a weather phenomenon that frequently impacts coastal regions including Catalonia. The committee president, Carmen Martínez, ordered Sánchez's removal after he received three calls to order during the testimony of José Ángel Núñez Mora, the Head of Climatology for the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) in the Valencian Country.
The incident occurred during the PP deputy's turn to speak, when he questioned the session's procedures and accused the presidency of acting in a “discretionary and sectarian” manner. Ms Martínez responded by reading out the regulations and warned him that a third interruption would lead to his expulsion. Minutes later, amidst a tense exchange with both the president and the witness, Mr Sánchez again disregarded the instructions and was compelled to leave the room. The remaining PP members followed him out in solidarity.
The entire session was characterised by a constant climate of confrontation. At one point, the president even warned Mr Núñez that some deputies were “trying to make him nervous” and assured him protection to continue his intervention. The PP spokesperson also remarked "what an honour" when the witness was given time to clarify information and defend his right to honour.
Criticisms of Emergency Response
During his appearance, Mr Núñez asserted that “sufficient and precise” information had been available to activate preventive measures ahead of the cold drop. He criticised the Valencian government, known as the Consell, for failing to interpret these warnings effectively. According to Mr Núñez, the institutional response was “catastrophic” and reactive, with actions only taken once water was already flowing down ravines.
The AEMET official argued that decisions such as preventive confinement could have saved lives. He stressed the necessity of acting before the rain began, given the limited response time during such weather events. Mr Núñez also reported dysfunctions in emergency coordination and called for more cohesive systems and a single structure to enable a more effective response to future cold drops.
The testimony and the ensuing political tension highlight ongoing concerns about emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination in Spain, particularly for regions like Catalonia that are vulnerable to extreme weather events. Future discussions within the Spanish Congress are expected to focus on implementing the recommendations for improved disaster response mechanisms.
