The recent electrical blackout on April 28, 2025, has not only exposed the technical vulnerabilities of Spain's energy network but also highlighted a significant leadership crisis at Red Eléctrica de España (Redeia). Beatriz Corredor, the non-executive president of Redeia since 2020, has faced intense scrutiny for her silence during this national emergency, as millions of citizens experienced power outages affecting essential services.
Corredor's compensation has become a focal point of public outrage. Since her appointment, she has earned over 2.5 million euros, with an annual salary of 546,000 euros—surpassing even that of the Prime Minister. This salary, coupled with her lack of technical expertise in energy management, has led to widespread criticism from unions, energy sector professionals, and the general public, especially in the wake of the historic blackout.
Despite her substantial earnings, Corredor's qualifications have been questioned. With a law degree and a background as a property registrar, she lacks any formal training in energy systems or crisis management. Critics argue that her appointment reflects a political rather than a merit-based decision, further complicating the situation as Spain grapples with unprecedented energy challenges.
Corredor previously served as the Minister of Housing from 2008 to 2010 under José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, where she was unable to curb the rising housing costs during the global financial crisis. Her tenure was marked by missed opportunities to implement effective housing policies, which has contributed to a perception of her as ineffective in leadership roles.
During the blackout, which caused a loss of 15 gigawatts of energy in just five seconds—impacting 60% of the electrical demand—Corredor did not make any public appearances or statements. This absence was described by various media outlets and opposition voices as an "institutional irresponsibility." The Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, was left to manage the crisis, declaring a level 3 emergency in regions like Madrid, Andalusia, and Castilla y León.
The controversy surrounding Corredor's leadership has reignited discussions about the appropriateness of political appointments in critical state enterprises. Critics have pointed out that the Spanish electrical system, which is interconnected with Europe and increasingly digitalized, requires leaders with technical expertise and crisis management skills. However, Corredor's role has primarily been limited to representational tasks, with the technical management delegated to her executive team.
Voices from within the energy sector have consistently raised concerns about Corredor's lack of experience and preparedness to handle emergencies like the one experienced on April 28. Energy security analysts and cybersecurity experts had previously warned of the risks associated with not having a technically proficient leadership team. In 2021, analyst Pedro Baños highlighted the possibility of a blackout, yet no preventive measures were implemented.
As the fallout from the blackout continues, social media has seen a surge of petitions and demands for Corredor's resignation, alongside calls for a review of political appointments within key public companies such as Redeia, ADIF, and AENA. The public is demanding accountability and transparency from those in charge of essential services.
The responsibility for such a national crisis cannot rest solely on the technical staff of Redeia. Citizens are seeking clear explanations and accountability from leaders overseeing critical infrastructure. Corredor's silence, coupled with her lack of energy training and her previous political record, has become emblematic of a broader failure in the appointment process, which seems to prioritize political connections over technical merit.
As millions of Spaniards continue to suffer the repercussions of the electrical collapse, Corredor's accumulated earnings of over 2.5 million euros as the non-executive president of Redeia serve as a stark reminder of the disconnect between leadership compensation and accountability in public service. The blackout of April 28 was not merely a technical failure; it has also become a significant leadership crisis.
In the face of these challenges, public sentiment is clear: there is a pressing need for reform in how leaders are selected for critical roles in public enterprises, especially those managing essential services like energy. As the nation looks for answers, Corredor's continued absence from public discourse only amplifies the demand for accountability and change.
In conclusion, the massive blackout that struck Spain has underscored the urgent need for competent leadership in the energy sector. Beatriz Corredor's lack of response during the crisis, coupled with her questionable qualifications, has left many questioning the integrity of political appointments in public enterprises. The call for reform is louder than ever as citizens demand leaders who are not only politically connected but also technically proficient in managing vital services.
