Industrial closures in Spain: concern and a call for urgent reindustrialization.

The announcement of closures in the industrial sector has sparked palpable concern among economic and social stakeholders in Spain. Carlos Reinoso, spokesperson for the Alliance for the Competitiveness of Spanish Industry, has made it clear that when a company decides to close its doors, it is not a trivial or pleasant decision, but rather a sign of a collective failure to maintain its competitiveness. In this regard, the Alliance, which represents 60% of the country's industrial production, is strongly positioned ahead of the imminent presentation of the draft of the new Industry Law, which updates a regulatory framework that has remained nearly unchanged since 1992. Reinoso has expressed optimism about the fact that the Government is working on a new regulatory framework aimed at promoting strategic autonomy in industry. However, he has also stated that the draft of the bill, while introducing significant improvements, still does not reach the level of ambition and specificity that the situation requires. He asserts that developing a robust industrial policy is essential not only to prevent factory closures but also to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector in the long term. The future law, which seeks to establish solid foundations for Spanish industrial policy, has been received with a mix of hope and skepticism by industrialists. The industry has expressed concern about a possible "regulatory tsunami" and has emphasized that what worries them most is the potential for a stagnation in the implementation of concrete measures once the law is passed. The Alliance underscores the need for the Government to provide a clear timeline for when the additional provisions to the law will be developed, to avoid the process being indefinitely prolonged. Reinoso has warned that the time to act is critical. He mentions examples of industrial policies in other countries, such as the United States and China, which have implemented aggressive measures to protect and strengthen their industrial sectors. In contrast, if Spain does not double down on efforts and resources in this area, it risks falling behind in international competition. As the Alliance presents its proposals, they emphasize that the reindustrialization of the country cannot be just a desire, but a reality accompanied by a clear and sustained commitment in terms of human and financial resources. They advocate for a support line for industrial investment that transcends the temporary limits of European funds, such as the Next Generation funds, which have a theoretical expiration date in 2026. The spokesperson for the Alliance insists that Spain needs a more ambitious approach to decarbonization and other strategic investments, something that must be backed by a long-term vision and adequate financing. The proposed law also includes the Recapi figure, intended to secure supplies of essential resources during crises, a point that has generated debate about the viability and sustainability of maintaining unprofitable productions. According to Reinoso, strategic autonomy should focus more on creating competitive conditions that naturally attract investments, rather than relying on artificial reserves. This viewpoint highlights a concern about the creation of a Strategic Investment Committee, which will be under the supervision of the Moncloa, as it could limit companies' ability to operate in a free and competitive market. In the context of the upcoming legislative process, the Alliance hopes for a political consensus that reflects its concerns and proposals. However, the key to success will largely depend on how the autonomous communities are integrated into this new structure and what role they will play in implementing the law. The industry is not the only thing at stake; Spain's economic future may also be on the line. With eyes set on revitalizing the sector, it is imperative that the decisions made in the coming months are visionary, concrete, and above all, effective in ensuring the growth and competitiveness of Spanish industry on the global stage. Collaboration between the government and industrialists will be essential in this journey towards reindustrialization and the strategic autonomy that Spain longs for.