Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez refuses to speculate on cause of the unprecedented blackout and urges the public to behave ‘responsibly’ – CSN

SPANISH Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has refused to rule out ‘any possibility’ for what was behind the massive nationwide power cut.

Speaking at La Moncloa after chairing a meeting of the Security Council, Sanchez explained that a ‘strong oscillation’ in the European electricity system early in the day triggered the collapse of the grid across the Iberian Peninsula and areas of southern France.

Sanchez said, “The causes are still being studied today.” “It’s better to avoid speculation.”

The Prime Minister stated that no theory was being ruled-out, but he declined to comment on the widespread reports of a cyberattack. 

Instead he urged citizens to rely only on official sources of information and avoid spreading unverified reports of ‘dubious origin’.

He said that in the coming hours, the public should be aware of three important precautions: reduce travel to a minimum, only listen to official communication, and use mobile phones with caution.

He explained that people only need to make short calls and call emergency services on 112 when absolutely necessary.

We will go through some crucial hours until the electricity is restored. He warned that the telephone network could be overloaded by people trying to reach loved ones.

Sanchez acknowledged that the disruptions across the country were severe and assured the public that all the relevant authorities had activated protocols for those affected.

Three regions — Andalucía, Extremadura and Madrid — have formally requested the activation of Level Three civil protection status, the highest level possible. 

Now, the national government will take direct control of the emergency.

He confirmed that hydroelectric power plants have now resumed operations, a key step in stabilising the supply, while he hoped would return comprehensively ‘soon’.

Sanchez said that as the situation developed, he was in constant contact with the Royal Household of Spain, the European Union, NATO, and the parliamentary groups.

He thanked France, Morocco and the United States for their assistance in restoring power to some areas of Spain in the north and south. 

In particular, he expressed gratitude for their ‘solidarity’, noting that France had also been affected by the blackout in its southern territories.

Sanchez opened his remarks by framing the incident as originating within the ‘European electricity system’, and ended his brief address — lasting just over seven minutes — without taking questions from journalists.

He announced that the National Security Council reconvened at 7pm for the purpose of managing the crisis.

“Our priority is to work so that we can return to normality as soon as possible,” Sánchez underlined.