After the blackout experienced yesterday across the entire national territory, cash once again became the only real way to acquire basic products and services due to the collapse of electrical and telecommunications networks, which affected point-of-sale terminals, mobile applications, and ATMs. Activity in ATMs and offices fell between 80% and 90%. Some ATMs did function normally, causing long lines.

This is the third blackout to occur in Spain, although yesterday's on April 28 has reached proportions never before experienced by the citizens. On the two previous occasions, cash also proved crucial as the digital system became unusable and the commercial platforms lacked backup. Although the blackout lasted only a few hours, only customers with physical money in their pockets were able to carry out the necessary daily purchases or transactions, just as happened yesterday. It is evident that cash does not depend on batteries, mobile networks, or digital connections, which makes it a key tool in emergency situations like the one experienced yesterday.

It is worth remembering that in Spain, the use of physical cash is a citizen's right protected by current legislation. In other words, it is mandatory to allow cash payments, so any measure that limits it, directly or indirectly, poses a risk to freedom of choice, financial privacy, and the resilience of the economic system.

In this context, the Denaria platform has wanted to remind the Government of Spain of the importance of implementing a national cash system with the aim of ensuring its availability and functionality as critical infrastructure, in line with the established guidelines for the security and resilience of essential services. Additionally, the platform recommends that the population always keep a reserve of cash as a basic preventive measure, while urging the authorities to ensure access to cash through a solid and distributed network of ATMs, with sufficient coverage for all citizens.

"What happened on Monday is a clear example of the fragility of the digital ecosystem and the need for a physical, robust alternative that is independent of electricity and internet supply," declared Javier Rupérez, president of Denaria.

Source: El Confidencial