Heat wave: in Spain, the limitation of the use of air conditioning goes badly

Nina Droff, edited by Ophélie Artaud 11:40 a.m., August 11, 2022

The heat wave continues to gain ground, especially in the west of the country.

18 departments are on heatwave orange vigilance from Finistère to the Hautes-Pyrénées.

And it's not just France that is suffering from this extreme heat.

Europe 1 offers you a world tour to see how other countries are managing the heat wave.

Today, let's head to Spain, which has implemented rather radical anti-waste measures.

The thermometer fixed to the wall of Tarragona station displays 27 degrees, the minimum temperature set by the government for air conditioning in stations, transport, cinemas or even shops.

And some people find it hard to do.

“We shouldn’t be forced to do this”

Sitting on a bench, Anicka fans herself frantically with her train ticket.

"It's impossible to live in this heat at 27 degrees, it's still very hot. For me, a pleasant temperature is between 18 and 21".

In the shops across the street, the measure is not much more successful.

Inside, the air conditioning is running at full speed.

Ahmed's mini-market and Maria's souvenir shop are completely shying away from the new obligation.

"We shouldn't be forced to do that. Already, the food won't last and above all, we have to work in this heat, carry things. We can't."

"If it's very hot in a store, the customer will simply walk away. In the heat, you can't concentrate on what you see, what you plan to buy, 

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Cafes and restaurants are somewhat spared, with a minimum temperature set at 25 degrees.

Juan, seated at the bar, is ready to resign himself.

"It's a good measure to save energy, as long as we adapt to different working contexts, that there are variations. We have to go in this direction. We don't really have a choice ."

Only hair salons, health centers and schools are exempt from these restrictions.