Almería wildfire sparks political blame fight in Spain

A massive forest fire in Almería, Andalusia, has become the deadliest in the region's history, prompting intense political sparring. PSOE leader Pedro Sánchez and regional president Juanma Moreno were initially praised for cooperation, but the opposition quickly turned to criticism.

PP figures Miguel Tellado and Óscar Puente accused the government of cutting fire‑service resources and failing to issue an ES‑Alert, while the PSOE side defended its response, noting that technical assessments advised against a mass alert and that local authorities had already warned residents. Victims who ignored evacuation orders were reminded that the Ministry of the Interior treats those instructions as orders, not suggestions.

The debate highlights calls for more funding, better coordination between administrations, and improved public‑alert systems to prevent future tragedies.