Blackout in Europe: Spanish President does not rule out "any hypothesis," and his Portuguese counterpart points to a cyberattack

In the wake of the widespread collapse of the electricity system that left Spain, Portugal, and Andorra, as well as parts of France, without power supplies on Monday, Spanish and Portuguese authorities spoke out over the issue.

Sanchez does not rule out any hypothesis

Spanish President Pedro Sánchez appeared publicly to calm the population and affirmed that the causes of the blackout are being investigated. Although he maintained that he does not rule out "any hypothesis," he pointed out that "it is not necessary to speculate."

The president also asked to reduce travel to "avoid accidents and allow the emergency services to work without obstacles."

In addition, Sanchez advised using the cell phone responsibly and only for essential cases.

Portuguese government points to a cyber attack

The government of Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, president of Portugal, suspects that the massive blackout was carried out due to a cyberattack.

Rebelo de Sousa himself maintained in statements to the Portuguese press that it could be a computer attack. However, he clarified that the information available is limited and there is still no confirmation.

Police sources point to sabotage

Police sources quoted by the Spanish newspaper La Razón indicate that specialists are analyzing recent communications from hacker groups that have threatened Spain for geopolitical reasons, with special attention to movements in pro-Russian circles.

Although no group has claimed authorship, cybersecurity experts consulted by the Spanish media warn that the collapse could be the result of a computer attack, the origin of which has not yet been determined.

Power supply begins to be restored in Spain and Portugal

Power supply has been restored in parts of Spain and Portugal, energy operators in those countries said.

Redes Energéticas Nacionales (REN) of Portugal said production has been restored at the Castelo de Bode hydroelectric plant and the Tapada de Outeiro thermoelectric plant, and so consumption is gradually resuming across the country.

Red Eléctrica, the operator in Spain, indicated that supply has been restored in some regions, such as Andalusia, the Basque Country, Catalonia, and Aragon.