Civil Protection, facing human weaknesses
This summer has been quite complicated in the world of Civil Protection. We have been able to confirm, once again and at all levels, that we have quality emergency systems and civil protection, both in terms of human and material resources, coordination, intelligence, and operational capacity. But, for the umpteenth time, we citizens have had to endure statements and arguments from some politicians and parties that embarrass us. They seem to think that anything goes if they can wear down or discredit their opponent. They often act with a childish and clumsy outlook, with a short-sighted vision: they only look out for their own interests and those of their party, never looking out for society as a whole. And while we waste energy on this miserable obsession, we citizens are forced to put up with it, instead of focusing—all of us—on what really matters: the protection of people, property, and the environment.
It's clear that almost everything in life can be improved. However, on the subject at hand, we can say that today's Civil Protection system in Spain is powerful and technically sound. We have highly trained professional and volunteer teams, verified and consolidated action protocols across hundreds of interventions, and clear regulations that distribute responsibilities between the State, the autonomous communities, and the municipalities.
The foundations of this situation lie in Law 2/1985 on Civil Protection, which established an initial regulatory framework adapted to the then-nascent autonomous state. The second decisive step came with the Civil Protection Law of 2015. With its entry into force, the mechanisms and powers of the administrations were more clearly and forcefully defined. It is worth remembering that the Military Emergency Unit (UME) was created in 2005, and with the 2015 law, its place within the system was clearly established and defined. This legislation also incorporated a new approach to Civil Protection actions, based on the principles of continuity, decentralization, planning, coordination, subsidiarity, proportionality, speed, and effectiveness. All of this hinged on a legal and constitutional framework that strengthened the role of the autonomous communities.
And therein lies one of the weak links in the system: many of these communities are governed by politicians who don't believe in these principles or don't even understand them. They're too big for themselves, or they're simply caught up in other objectives and interests, not always recognizable. It's painful to see the current situation; neither professionals nor citizens deserve this. As if that weren't enough, they tend to neglect to do their homework when necessary, because they know the EMU will take the blame for them, neglecting to enhance their capabilities.
The Civil Protection system and structures respond well to every major emergency. However, there are some weaknesses that are increasingly common. On the one hand, political exploitation. Every major emergency (fires, floods, storms, volcanoes, etc.) is often exploited by political parties to highlight what the other party has done wrong, or what they want to make believe it has done wrong. This creates media noise and makes it difficult for citizens to perceive the coordination and effectiveness of the professionals, even if technically things are working well.
Competency tensions are also common. Although regulations clearly establish what each administration is responsible for, political reality means that, in critical situations, disputes arise over who leads, who pays, or who communicates. The lack of a culture of political collaboration contrasts with the natural cooperation of technical teams. Politicians, on the other hand, prefer to establish their own profile rather than join forces. This attitude weakens public trust in the system, even if the teams on the ground work impeccably.
Another flaw to consider is the excessive emphasis often placed on political press conferences, to the detriment of providing clear and timely information to the public. This creates confusion and even misinformation.
Given this situation, citizens should start speaking up and demand more common sense, seriousness, and competence from a political class that is too often obsolete, questionable, and ineffective. At the very least, they should let professionals and technicians work and ensure they have the material and human resources they need. Civil protection, and citizens, do not need politicians seeking personal gain or easy headlines, but rather responsible people who understand that saving lives and protecting the common good is more urgent than winning the media battle. And, above all, that prevention is the best tool in the world of emergencies: fires are put out in winter, and floods are better managed when it doesn't rain.
(*) Between 2015 and 2019, I had the privilege and honor of meeting and working with the soldiers and commanders of the 3rd Battalion of the UME (Mechanical Military Unit), stationed in Bétera (Valencia). The Balearic Islands are part of their area of operation. I can only say positive things: committed and special people. I think and say the same about the firefighter units of the CIM and Palma; the civil protection volunteer groups; and the people from the General Emergency Directorate of the GOIB (Government of the Basin of Emergencies). It's worth mentioning, especially in relation to the floods in the Levante region of October 2018, the participation of the Civil Guard Command, the local police, and the Balearic Islands Military Command. During those years, I felt pride and gratitude for all those people who live and work for Civil Protection.
