Ayuso's Ultimatum: Spanish Only or Walkout at Conference of Presidents

Madrid's President Ayuso Threatens to Boycott Conference Over Language Use Spanish politics witnessed a dramatic moment on June 5th, 2025, when Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, threatened to leave the Conference of Presidents if the proceedings were conducted in Catalan or Basque. This incident took place during a meeting in Madrid, Spain. The context is a long-standing debate in Spain regarding the use of co-official languages. Ayuso's statement reflects a strong stance against multilingualism in official settings. "O ho diuen en espanyol o sortiré" Ayuso declared, which translates to "Either they speak in Spanish, or I'll leave." This forceful statement highlights her commitment to the exclusive use of Spanish in official government functions. The video shows her speaking with considerable passion, her words punctuated by emphatic gestures. The assembly's applause following her statement underscores the support she enjoys from a portion of the Spanish political spectrum. The incident has sparked widespread debate, raising questions about linguistic rights and political unity in Spain. The video's release by El Nacional.cat has amplified the controversy, leading to discussions on social media and in the national press. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex linguistic landscape and political divisions within Spain.