Prime Minister Sánchez appeared before Congress to explain the national blackout, rejecting links to nuclear energy policy as "manipulation" and requesting time for proper investigation. He criticized "pro-nuclear lobbyists" while promising transparency, with opposition leader Feijóo demanding resignations and claiming the blackout "only benefited Sánchez's brother" – continuing the political battle that intensified after the previous day's rail sabotage.

The Begoña case expanded as Judge Peinado implicated three key Sánchez allies and investigated connections between calls from businessman Hidalgo to Begoña Sánchez and the Air Europa rescue.

Concurrently, the Vatican conclave to elect Pope Francis's successor began with uncertainty. Cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel following traditional protocols, culminating in the evening's first vote that ended with black smoke, signaling no pope had been elected on the first ballot.