Background on the Incident
On Monday, a widespread power outage affected both Portugal and Spain, causing significant disruptions across the Iberian Peninsula. The Portuguese Prime Minister, António Costa, clarified that the blackout did not originate in Portugal but was instead linked to the interconnection with Spain’s electrical grid.
Who is António Costa?
António Costa is the current Prime Minister of Portugal, serving since November 2015. As the head of government, he is responsible for overseeing Portugal’s administration and policy-making. His role in addressing the recent power outage highlights his importance in maintaining the country’s infrastructure and stability.
Prime Minister Costa’s Response
In a statement following an extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting, Prime Minister Costa explained that the blackout did not originate in Portugal but was instead connected to Spain’s electrical grid. He emphasized that Portugal is actively working with Spanish authorities to understand the cause and resolve the issue.
Communication with Spanish Leadership
Prime Minister Costa has maintained communication with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to exchange information regarding the incident. This collaboration is crucial in addressing a transnational issue affecting both countries.
Steps Taken to Resolve the Issue
Activation of Crisis Cell: Portugal has kept its crisis cell active to monitor and manage the situation closely.
- Information Gathering: Portuguese intelligence is actively collecting data to understand the cause of the blackout.
- Personal Inspection: Prime Minister Costa plans to visit REN, Portugal’s electricity operator, to gather more information in person and assess the possibility of restoring power by the end of the day.
Impact on Citizens and Businesses
The blackout has caused significant disruptions for both citizens and businesses in Portugal and Spain. Many people experienced power outages at home, while companies faced operational challenges due to the lack of electricity. The restoration of power is crucial for returning to normalcy and minimizing further economic and social consequences.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is responsible for the blackout? A: The blackout originated from Spain’s electrical grid, according to Prime Minister António Costa.
- Q: What steps is Portugal taking to address the issue? A: Portugal has activated its crisis cell, is gathering information, and Prime Minister Costa plans to visit REN for a more in-depth understanding of the situation.
- Q: How is Portugal collaborating with Spain to resolve the blackout? A: Prime Minister Costa has maintained communication with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to exchange information and work together on a solution.
- Q: What is the expected timeline for restoring power? A: Prime Minister Costa expressed his “expectation” of restoring power during the Monday session, although no definitive timeline has been provided.
