The Galician government announced the formal initiation of the procedure to archive the project for a large pulp factory by the Portuguese company Altri in Palas de Rei. This decision, announced by Minister María Jesús Lorenzan, stems from the lack of adequate electrical infrastructure in the government's 2025-2030 plan. Archiving the files effectively blocks the investment, which local communities and environmental organizations have fought for years, fearing environmental degradation along the French Way.

Lack of Electrical Infrastructure

The project was archived due to the lack of connection to the transmission network in the national plan for 2025-2030.

Victory for Social Movements

Local groups, including Ulloa Viva, are celebrating the halt of the mega-factory construction, which they considered an ecological threat.

Rueda's Political Independence

Alfonso Rueda, marking his second year in office, is moving away from projects previously promoted by Alberto Feijóo.

The decision by the regional government of Galicia to close the files on the pulp and textile fibers factory project by Altri in the province of Lugo marks a turning point in the years-long dispute. Minister María Jesús Lorenzan explained that the reason for withdrawing from further proceedings is the lack of a guaranteed connection path resulting from the omission of necessary infrastructure in the national plan. Although the company declares analysis of alternative technical solutions, the Galician administration under Alfonso Rueda decided to initiate the archiving procedure, which in practice suspends the process. The event coincides with the second anniversary of the PP's victory in the autonomous elections on February 18, 2024, after which Alfonso Rueda was sworn in again in April 2024; simultaneously, he is building his own political profile. The decision to archive the Altri project is interpreted as an attempt to end a troublesome social conflict that mobilized thousands of residents. The Ulloa Viva platform and numerous ecologists are celebrating the success, pointing to the need to protect the heart of Galicia and its natural heritage from the negative impacts of heavy industry. Mass protests against the Altri investment began in 2024, when thousands took to the streets of Palas de Rei. Concerns included not only pollution of the Ulla River but also a negative impact on pilgrimage tourism on the French Way to Santiago de Compostela. Despite triumphant moods among the opposition and activists, the regional government blames the central authorities in Madrid for the failure to implement the investment. Lorenzan emphasized that the lack of consideration for Galicia's needs in the country's energy planning blocks strategic industrial projects. This situation heightens tensions between Santiago de Compostela and Madrid, while Alfonso Rueda strengthens his position as a leader seeking regional stability without needing to form coalitions with radical groups like Vox.

Mentioned People

  • Alfonso Rueda — President of Galicia, celebrating the second anniversary of his term and building his own political profile.
  • María Jesús Lorenzana — Minister of Economy and Industry in the Galician government.
  • Alberto Núñez Feijóo — Former President of Galicia, currently leader of the opposition at the national level in Spain.