On April 28, 2025, Spain faced a national electrical blackout, marking the largest outage in a European Union country. Millions of residents found themselves disconnected from electricity and the internet, leading to widespread confusion and disruption. While people were trapped in elevators and hospitals struggled to maintain operations, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez sparked controversy with a lighthearted question: "¿Con o sin cebolla?" (with or without onion), referring to the popular debate over the Spanish omelet, known as tortilla de patatas.
This unexpected remark came during a meeting of the National Security Council convened to address the blackout crisis. The meeting, which took place shortly after the outage, was captured on video and later shared by the Secretary of State for Communication. In the 32-second clip, Sánchez can be seen speaking informally with ministers and members of the council. Vice President Yolanda Díaz humorously responded to Sánchez's question with "sin" (without), contributing to the relaxed atmosphere of the moment despite the serious backdrop of the national crisis.
The blackout left millions in the dark, affecting not only Spain but also neighboring countries like Portugal and France. Transportation and communication systems were severely disrupted, leaving many people stranded and hospitals scrambling for resources. As of now, the cause of the blackout remains officially unexplained, although various theories are circulating.
In the aftermath, Beatriz Corredor, the president of Red Eléctrica, assured the public that the electrical system had returned to normal and ruled out her resignation amidst the crisis. She stated that the government was exploring all possible causes of the blackout, including the possibility of a cyberattack, although Red Eléctrica quickly dismissed this theory as unfounded.
The lighthearted exchange between Sánchez and Díaz has drawn mixed reactions on social media. While some users criticized the Prime Minister for his seemingly trivial comment during a national emergency, others found humor in the situation, highlighting the human side of political leaders. One social media user quipped, "¿Pero tomamos medidas con cerebro o sin cerebro?" (But do we take measures with brains or without?), reflecting the frustration many felt regarding the government's response.
During the informal moments captured in the video, attendees included three vice presidents, ten ministers, the director of the CNI (National Intelligence Center), the head of the State Major of Defense, and the director of the Department of National Security of La Moncloa, among others. Notably absent was King Felipe VI, who had presided over a previous meeting earlier that day.
This incident is not the first time Sánchez has faced scrutiny during a crisis. His tenure has been marked by several unusual events, including a global pandemic and natural disasters. The national blackout now adds another surreal chapter to his leadership, as the public awaits answers regarding its cause.
As the government continues to investigate the blackout, Sánchez has promised to hold private operators accountable and ensure that a thorough examination of the incident is conducted. The uncertainty surrounding the blackout's cause has left many Spaniards anxious, with some speculating about potential negligence or mismanagement.
In the days following the blackout, the government has convened multiple meetings to discuss not only the outage but also other pressing issues facing the nation. The lighthearted banter about tortilla preferences, while seemingly trivial, underscores the tension between the need for serious governance and the human instinct to find levity even in dire situations.
Social media reactions have varied widely, with some users embracing the humor of the moment while others criticized the timing of such a comment. As one user pointedly remarked, "¿Pero con mentira o sin mentira?" (But with lies or without lies?), emphasizing the skepticism many feel towards political leaders during crises.
Despite the backlash, some commentators argue that such moments of humor can provide a necessary respite from the stress of national emergencies. They suggest that politicians, like anyone else, need to maintain their humanity, even when the stakes are high.
As investigations continue, the public remains vigilant for answers about the blackout and its implications for the future of Spain's electrical infrastructure. The government insists on relying on official sources for information to avoid the spread of rumors and misinformation.
The Spanish populace, meanwhile, is left grappling with the aftermath of this unprecedented blackout, reflecting on both the seriousness of the situation and the absurdity of political life. The debate over tortilla preferences may seem trivial, but it highlights the broader societal divisions that exist in Spain, even in times of crisis.
Ultimately, the national blackout serves as a reminder of the fragility of modern infrastructure and the importance of effective governance in times of crisis. As the country seeks to recover and learn from this experience, the conversations sparked by Sánchez's question may linger in the public consciousness, emblematic of the delicate balance between humor and gravity that leaders must navigate.
