Ayuso Storms Out of Spain's Presidential Summit in Basque Language Protest

Spanish President Ayuso Walks Out of Summit Over Language Use Madrid, Spain – June 6, 2025 – Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, dramatically walked out of a summit of regional presidents today, protesting the use of Basque and Catalan during the meeting. The event, held at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, was attended by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and other regional leaders. Ayuso's departure created a stir, with witnesses describing her as visibly upset. After Lehendakari Imanol Pradales addressed the summit in Basque, Ayuso rose from her seat and left, stating that she would only return when the meeting proceeded in Spanish. Prime Minister Sánchez defended the inclusion of Basque and Catalan, emphasizing that it reflected Spain's diverse linguistic landscape. "The use of these languages is a demonstration of a national project that integrates and does not exclude," Sánchez stated. Ayuso's actions highlight the deep divisions over language policy in Spain, with some advocating for the exclusive use of Spanish while others support multilingualism. The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media, with strong opinions expressed on both sides. The summit continued despite Ayuso's absence, raising questions about the future of inter-regional cooperation.