Ryanair calls Spanish Minister of Consumer Affairs a ‘crazy communist’ over crusade against carry-on baggage charges

Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary called Pablo Bustinduy, head of the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030, a “crazy communist minister” on Wednesday. The disparaging comment was made during the Irish executive’s speech at a press conference in Brussels, in reference to a $186 million penalty that Bustinduy’s ministry imposed in November on four airlines, including Ryanair (in addition to Vueling, Easyjet, and Volotea) over their policy of charging passengers to take their suitcases into aircraft cabins. Their fees for selecting seats for children and dependents, in addition to other commercial policies, were also penalized.

The escalation of tensions between the largest European airline based on passenger volume and the Spanish government has also been recently fueled by the clash between low-cost Ryanair and Spain’s state-owned airport management company Aena, and by extension, with the Spanish Minister of Transport Óscar Puente. Ryanair announced the elimination of 800,000 seats in seven regional airports due to the inefficiency of Aena’s commercial incentives to increase traffic. The airline will cease flights to and from Valladolid and Jérez de la Frontera this summer, among other adjustments.

O’Leary told media representatives that Minister Bustinduy “thinks that passengers can take as much luggage as they want. And no, no they can’t,” according to Spanish news agency EFE. The historic fine has already been called a “stupid decision” by Ryanair Designated Activity Company CEO Eddie Wilson and his superior O’Leary has gone so far as to label it “illegal.” The Irish airline must pay $112.3 million of the fine, while Vueling owes $40.8 million, Easyjet, $30.3 million and Voltea, $1.25 million. The companies have announced that they are filing appeals with the Spanish High Court.

It didn’t take long for Bustinduy to respond to the words of the veteran airline industry executive. “In recent days, we have seen that Ryanair’s strategy involves blackmail, pressure and also insults to pursue its objective: multiply its profits.” The minister pointed out that Ryanair’s earnings increased by 10% in the last quarter.

Speaking from his ministry’s event in support of universal child benefits, Bustinduy dismissed O’Leary’s remarks, saying “everyone should do as they please.” “I am the Minister of Consumer Affairs in the Spanish government and my duty is to defend the rights of consumers in this country. That takes priority over the interests of any multinational or billionaire tycoon, no matter how powerful they may be,” he continued.

“This government will defend the interests and rights of the citizens of Spain. And it will continue to do that wherever necessary and to whoever is necessary. No blackmail, no pressure and no insults are going to stop me from defending the people from the powerful,” he said.

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