Spanish Government Takes Strong Stance on Historical Memory and Environmental Protection

In a significant move, the Spanish Government has announced several key decisions that impact various aspects of Spanish society, from historical memory and social rights to environmental protection.

Challenge to Cantabria's Historical Memory Law

The Council of Ministers has agreed to appeal the Law of Cantabria 1/2024 in the Constitutional Court, a law that repeals the Law of Historical and Democratic Memory of Cantabria. This decision was announced by Pilar Alegría, the Minister for Education, Vocational Training and Sports, and Government Spokesperson. The appeal is part of the government's effort to preserve the historical memory laws, which have been a contentious issue in several regions.

Alegría highlighted that the government had previously launched a similar appeal against the Government of Aragon when it repealed its Law of Democratic Memory. Both Cantabria and Aragon had rejected the possibility of reaching an agreement through dialogue in the Bilateral Cooperation Commission, leading to the government's decision to take legal action.

Reform of Dependency and Disability Laws

In a major overhaul of social policies, the Minister for Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda, Pablo Bustinduy, presented a draft bill to reform the Law for the Promotion of Personal Autonomy and Care for People in a Situation of Dependency, and the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and their Social Inclusion. This reform aims to strengthen the dependency system, allowing more people to receive care and support.

Key features of the reform include the elimination of the incompatibility between different benefits and the two-year suspension period for economic benefits for care in the family environment. The bill also recognizes telecare as a universal right for people in a situation of dependency living at home and enshrines the right to universal accessibility, as required by Article 49 of the Spanish Constitution.

The reform expands the scope of home help services to include everyday activities such as accompanying dependent persons to medical appointments, day centers, or shopping. It also introduces personal assistance as a service in the catalogue, rather than just a financial benefit, and extends economic benefits for care to include close relatives, cohabitants, or neighbors who undertake care tasks.

Environmental Protection: Demolition of El Algarrobico Hotel

In a significant environmental move, the Council of Ministers has initiated the process to demolish the illegal hotel built on the beach of El Algarrobico in Carboneras, Almeria, within the protected area of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. This decision was announced by Sara Aagesen, the Third Vice-President of the Government and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.

The hotel, which was built on land that cannot be developed according to a Supreme Court ruling, is seen as a symbol of accelerated urban development and urban planning outrages against ecosystems. The demolition process involves declaring the land a public utility, followed by urgent occupation agreements and other administrative steps. The government has pledged to cover the costs of demolition and waste management, estimated at up to 7 million euros.

Representation and Governance of Mar Menor

Aagesen also announced the regulation of the system for the constitution, composition, and operation of the representation and governance bodies of the Mar Menor and its basin. This measure allows for the effective application of the legal personality of the Mar Menor, recognized as a subject with its own charter of rights. This innovative approach, recognized internationally by the United Nations, is a pioneering effort in Europe to protect natural ecosystems through civil society leadership.

These decisions reflect the Spanish government's commitment to social welfare, historical memory, and environmental protection, setting a robust agenda for the year ahead.