Isabel DÃaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, delivered a speech at the Dos de Mayo celebrations, marked by unusual circumstances including heavy rain and the absence of government officials. She implicitly criticized the central government's response to a recent major power outage and other past events, drawing parallels to Madrid's resilience throughout history. Her remarks highlighted the efforts of Madrid's public servants during the crisis and emphasized Madrid's ongoing strength and solidarity.
This year's Dos de Mayo celebrations were significantly different, primarily due to the Spanish government's unilateral cancellation of the traditional military parade, a decision described as an 'unprecedented attack' by the regional government. This led to a revised format for the celebrations, held in Puerta del Sol under inclement weather. The absence of government representatives further underscored the political tensions.
The event also included the awarding of the Community's highest honors, the Grandes Cruces. Recipients included individuals and organizations that demonstrated exceptional service, particularly during the Valencia floods. Notable recipients included individuals from the healthcare sector, and figures from the arts and entertainment industry.
Ayuso's speech carried strong political undertones. While not directly mentioning Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, her criticism was clearly targeted towards his government's handling of past crises. She invoked themes of Spanish unity, resilience, and national pride, contrasting Madrid's actions with what she implied were shortcomings by the national government.