Por Redaccion Adrián Barbón, who led the inauguration of Belarmina Díaz, praised the work of his predecessor, Nieves Roqueñí, as "an honest person, with enviable training and work capacity, who has carried out an enormous management."
The President of the Principality led today the inauguration ceremony of the Minister of Ecological Transition, Industry and Commerce, Belarmina Díaz, and the two ministers whose departments have changed names: Guillermo Peláez, who will be in charge of Finance, Justice and European Affairs, and Alejandro Calvo, who will lead Mobility, Local Cooperation, and Emergency Management.
"Do not close the doors or lower the shutters, do not isolate yourselves. It is essential to always be in touch with reality, renounce self-absorption, practice humility, and seek proximity," Adrián Barbón recommended during his speech.
He urged the new Minister of Ecological Transition to leverage her experience and prestige to ensure the future of Asturias’ industrial heart with the greatest possible unity, hand in hand with the ministry, community institutions, companies, and unions. He also emphasized that the international situation, "aggravated by the tariff offensive," requires a unique, strong, and urgent European response as a solution to Asturian steelmaking.
"I clarify that for my government, industry is non-negotiable. In the Principality, we have a modern economic structure, comparable to any developed society, where services are gaining more weight, but we cannot even think of renouncing our industrial engine," emphasized the Head of Government, specifying that the sector must renew, decarbonize, and apply a high technological component.
Barbón also praised the trajectory of Nieves Roqueñí, the former Minister of Ecological Transition, Industry, and Economic Development, who will soon assume the presidency of El Musel: "An honest person, with enviable training and work capacity, who has carried out an enormous management."
The President’s speech at the inauguration ceremony is reproduced in full below.
Inaugural Speech of the President of the Principality of Asturias, Adrián Barbón
Inauguration of the Ministers of Finance, Justice, and European Affairs; of Ecological Transition, Industry, and Commerce, and of Mobility, Cooperation, and Emergency Management
Thank you for attending this inauguration ceremony on a Saturday afternoon. It is a somewhat peculiar ceremony because two of the three individuals continue in their responsibilities but with different titles. I believe my first obligation is to explain the reasons for the changes.
Guillermo Peláez has just taken the oath as Minister of Finance, Justice, and European Affairs. Previously, he was in charge of Finance and European Funds. The modification goes beyond a desire for precision: on the one hand, it is about giving greater formal relevance to the competencies of justice, and on the other, about surpassing the strict framework of community resource management.
A good government must possess several virtues. Rigor in management and the ability to explain it clearly, for example. Guillermo, who is also the government’s spokesperson, embodies them perfectly.
However, an Executive must also anticipate events, and new times are coming both in the organization of judicial infrastructures and in relations with the European Commission. The opening of the Langreo courthouse and technological modernization are gradually bringing us closer to other major challenges, such as the unification of headquarters in Oviedo/Uviéu.
Regarding community institutions, words are unnecessary. Just this week, I addressed critical issues for the Asturian industry in Strasbourg. If the European project wants to consolidate, it needs to react urgently to the reactionary threat. I am not only referring to economic consequences but also to freedoms, rights, and the survival of the welfare state, which is the foundation of the social contract throughout the Union. To the best of our abilities, the Government of Asturias will contribute to a stronger Europe. We are not content with managing EU funds well, or very well, as the data shows, but we aim to strengthen this project, to be an agent of European construction. In these crucial moments, we need to have an intense and continuous agenda in Europe.
Alejandro Calvo has taken on the Ministry of Mobility, Local Cooperation, and Emergency Management. Previously, he was responsible for Development, Local Cooperation, and Fire Prevention.
Some may think the name change is inconsequential. However, the focus is much more ambitious and aligned with the government’s actions. Alejandro Calvo has managed and will continue to manage infrastructure projects. By the way, the investment deployment in areas under regional jurisdiction has been outstanding.
Moreover, with his team, Alejandro has accomplished much more: he has driven a significant advancement in sustainable mobility in Asturias. Just think of the great success that is the Conecta card, marking a before and after in the use of public transport in our community.
We are in an era of hyper-connected Asturias, sustainable mobility, and, it must be emphasized to those who deny it, global warming. Looking back at the Levant, we see that we are facing real risks, not mere speculations. Forest fires, worsening by the day, are not the only danger. We may face episodes of floods, landslides, communication breakdowns, multiple emergencies, and we must be prepared to face them. This work is already underway. Now, with the change, we place it at the forefront of government action.
Belarmina Díaz, Mini, was not a minister. She takes over from an honest person, with enviable training and work capacity, who has carried out an enormous management and will soon assume the presidency of El Musel, a key infrastructure for the economic and logistical development of Asturias. I am referring to Nieves Roqueñí, who has endured frivolous and unfair criticism with fortitude.
By the way, in these two weeks, she has shown her capacity with significant agreements in the field of Cadasa, to ensure the water supply of Asturias in the coming decades, as well as in Cogersa, and in solving the historical problems of Sogepsa. Thank you for such immense work and for being a person of so many values, Nieves.
Mini was not a minister, I repeat, but she was a reference in knowledge and good work as the Director General of Energy and Mining, recognized in Asturias, in the central government, and in community institutions. Now, she will lead the Department of Ecological Transition, Industry, and Commerce, previously Ecological Transition, Industry, and Economic Development. Commerce, undergoing a rapid, almost abrupt transformation through telematic services, also deserves prominence in the ministry’s name.
Earlier, I mentioned that new times are coming. The new Minister of Ecological Transition faces them head-on, and it will not be easy. The international situation, exacerbated by the tariff offensive, is putting the industrial strength of Europe at risk. I emphasize, for those who insist on applying their narrow-mindedness to a problem of vast dimensions: the response, the solution, and the opportunity for Asturian steelmaking require a unique, strong, and urgent European response. You will need to leverage your experience and prestige to, in collaboration with the ministry, community institutions, companies, and unions, ensure the future of our industrial heart with the greatest possible unity.
I clarify that for my government, industry is non-negotiable. In the Principality, we have a modern economic structure, comparable to any developed society, where services are gaining more weight, but we cannot even think of renouncing our industrial engine, nor of placing unnecessary obstacles to its growth and modernization.
That is the premise. From there, we know that we must talk about a different industry, decarbonized, with a high technological component, and compatible with the environmental quality that distinguishes us. There is no antagonism between industrial growth and the care of natural resources. True public interest is guaranteed when both principles are reconciled, and that is, no less, another task that awaits you. Now I address the three of you. No one will make it easy for you. You will receive criticism daily, some justified and some completely unwarranted. You may even receive criticism before doing anything, as has already happened.
Listen to all, even the most bothersome, as there is something to be learned from all. Do not close doors or lower shutters, do not isolate yourselves. It is essential to always be in touch with reality, renounce self-absorption, practice humility, and seek proximity. Understand that in your role, there is no room for disconnection or a reduction in working hours; only impossible schedules fit in.
I know I will ask a lot of you. However, I also know that you will rise to the occasion. Your knowledge, your capacity, and, above all, your dedication to serving Asturias from this progressive unity government will overcome any obstacles. Guillermo, Mini, and Alejandro, you share many convictions. Among them, a fundamental one: that giving your all for Asturias is worthwhile. Never forget it.