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After more than 15 years of complaints from Cartagena residents about dangerous waste from the former Española del Zinc factory, the European Parliament is finally stepping in. Podemos has pushed the issue onto the agenda of the Committee on Petitions (PETI) for its meeting on April 15 and 16, where officials will examine the contaminated soil and toxic ponds at Torreciega.

 

The site has been a nightmare since the plant shut down in 2008, leaving over 5.2 million tons of hazardous waste exposed and polluting soil, surface water and groundwater. Local people living nearby have raised the alarm repeatedly over health risks, but progress has been painfully slow.

 

Back in August 2024, a court ordered the urgent sealing of the ponds due to the immediate danger they posed. Yet María Marín, Podemos spokesperson in the Region of Murcia, says nothing has happened since. "The inaction of the regional government, the Cartagena Ayuntamiento, and also the justice system has been complete," she told reporters this week.

 

Marín described getting the case to Brussels as "great news" for Torreciega residents. She highlighted a recent court decision dismissing criminal charges against the current landowners for lack of evidence, which also lifted the sealing order and sparked fresh outrage among environmental groups. "There is a very serious breach of European environmental legislation taking place here," Marín added. "This waste contaminates soil and water and poses an enormous risk to public health."

 

Podemos registered the petition to force Europe to analyse what Marín calls a "huge disgrace." She has pledged to escort residents and citizen platforms to the hearing. "We are not going to stand idly by," she said firmly. "We will go with the residents and go as far as necessary to resolve this situation."

 

While local and regional authorities have dragged their feet, and a complex legal battle has stalled action, this move to the European Parliament offers hope for those affected. Neighbours hope it will lead to real decontamination and safety measures after decades of neglect. For now, the focus shifts to mid-April, when MEPs will hear the full story.

 

 

Image: regiondemurcia.podemos.info