Ayuso's Ultimatum: Spanish Only at Barcelona Conference

Madrid President Ayuso's Defiance: No Headphones, Only Spanish at Barcelona Conference Madrid, Spain – June 5, 2025 – In a dramatic display during a session of the Madrid Assembly, regional President Isabel Díaz Ayuso declared her intent to attend the upcoming President's Conference in Barcelona on June 6th under her own terms. Ayuso stated unequivocally that she would not use simultaneous translation and demanded that all communication be conducted in Spanish. "Whatever they tell me outside the conference in Spanish, they should repeat it in the same language inside," Ayuso asserted. She further indicated that failure to comply with this demand could result in her immediate departure from the conference. Ayuso's stance is likely to escalate tensions surrounding the conference, particularly given its location in Barcelona, a region with a strong Catalan identity. Her comments highlight the ongoing linguistic and political sensitivities within Spain. The President's Conference is expected to address several key issues, including housing, education, and energy policy. Ayuso's decision to prioritize Spanish language use adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught political climate. Ayuso's bold move underscores the importance of language and communication in Spanish politics and the potential for conflict when these issues are not addressed directly. Her insistence on Spanish underscores the political sensitivities involved. The situation will be closely watched as the President's Conference approaches.