The Madrid president has presented a package of nearly fifty measures for 17 towns affected by the fires, with economic, social, and infrastructure aid.
The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, announced on Thursday a set of nearly fifty actions for the reconstruction of the Sierra Oeste, the area hardest hit by the wildfires in recent weeks. In a press conference following an extraordinary Government Council, the regional leader detailed a plan that ranges from immediate aid to residents to long-term investments to revitalise the local economy.
“We want to remind people that they are not alone, that when they return to their towns, they will know that we will be there waiting for them with open arms, their Administration, the Community of Madrid,” Ayuso stated, emphasising the regional government's commitment not to abandon those affected. “We will not abandon them,” she reiterated, aware of the “pain of uncertainty and immense sorrow” that many families are experiencing.
The measures, which total more than 40 initiatives, are directed at 17 municipalities where more than 56,000 people reside: Aldea del Fresno, Cadalso de los Vidrios, Cenicientos, Chapinería, Colmenar del Arroyo, El Escorial (due to the evacuation of the Peralejo district), Fresnedillas de la Oliva, Navalagamella, Navas del Rey, Pelayos de la Presa, Robledo de Chavela, Rozas de Puerto Real, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Santa María de la Alameda, Valdemaqueda, Villa del Prado, and Zarzalejo.
Economic and social aid
Among the most notable actions is the creation of Help Points for evacuated residents returning to their homes, as well as the provision of hotel accommodations for those unable to return to their residences. Additionally, a social emergency response unit will be set up to support vulnerable individuals. The Community of Madrid will allocate 10 million euros for extraordinary measures to assist the elderly.
In the healthcare sector, a support service will be established through the Virtual Health Card, and mobile units for health and psychosocial recovery will be deployed. Mental health support will also be offered to professionals who have faced the emergency.
To alleviate the economic burden on those affected, discounts on water tariffs have been approved, and the Inheritance and Donations Tax, as well as the Tax on Property Transfers and Documented Legal Acts, will be fully waived. A donation account will also be opened.
Investments in infrastructure and housing
The plan includes an ambitious Regional Investment Programme (PIR) of 20 million euros for urgent actions in the 17 municipalities. For roads, a comprehensive recovery plan for over 200 kilometres of routes damaged by the fires has been designed. Furthermore, the regional government will request the activation of the European Union Solidarity Fund.
In terms of housing, up to 100% of rent will be covered for 12 months for those who have lost their homes. A reconstruction plan for agricultural and livestock operations will also be implemented, along with another for the recovery of the wine sector, which is key to the region.
To facilitate a return to normalcy, a new Employment Bus route will be created to serve the affected municipalities, and the deadlines for all administrative procedures under the Community of Madrid's jurisdiction will be extended. The deadlines for enrolment in Vocational Training and Language Schools have also been temporarily suspended.
Support for businesses and self-employed individuals
The package of measures includes aid for self-employed individuals to resume their activities, a line of free guarantees with Avalmadrid, and support for the reactivation of commercial, artisan, and industrial establishments. A digital recovery plan has been designed to ensure the continuity of affected businesses, and a free advisory service for labour and Social Security will be offered.
Additionally, an “administrative highway” will be established for the reconstruction projects of businesses and industries through the Investment Accelerator and Invest in Madrid. A new aid programme to encourage entrepreneurship in the affected municipalities will also be approved.
The Community of Madrid will create an Interdepartmental Commission to coordinate all actions. “The Sierra Oeste will be a place of future and opportunities, of new jobs, of new operations, of livestock, and of new ways of life,” Ayuso concluded, assuring that “investing in the Sierra Oeste will now more than ever be an investment in the future.”
Residents of the 17 municipalities can consult the aid and support points available through the official channels of the Community of Madrid. The first measures are expected to be operational in the coming days.
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