Maria Campuzano dies at 44 years old, the activist who managed to ensure that electricity is not cut off to families
He was spokesperson for the Alliance against Energy Poverty
Barcelona"No thirst, no cold, no darkness." These were the causes championed by María Campuzano, who passed away this Sunday at the age of 44 (she would have turned 45 in July), leaving behind a life dedicated to the fight for a more just and egalitarian society. Spokesperson for the Alliance against Energy Poverty (APE) and member of Engineers Without Borders, the activist has been a benchmark in all battles for the rights to basic supplies, housing, and water. "She has been our guide, the legacy she leaves us is to continue working and we will think about how María would have done it, her strength and example," explains Andrea Vides, a militant in these two organizations.
the Alliance against Energy Poverty (APE)In 2014, Campuzano was involved in the establishment of the APE, the organization that managed to halt supply cuts and led Endesa and the Generalitat to sign an agreement to forgive the debt of 25,000 families. "Her contribution has been fundamental to having law 24/2015 and regulations that protect the vulnerable," emphasizes Vides. A few weeks ago, she still participated in the organization's celebrations for its 12th anniversary.
Vides stresses that Campuzano "has advocated both personally and collectively" for the fight and has always been very attentive to the female companions affected by power outages, assisting them in the fortnightly advisory sessions organized by the APE. At the same time, she has been able to weave international networks for the right to supplies. "Everyone loved María very much," the activist acknowledges.
Inspiration for the fight
Today, her comrades in struggle remember her as a brave, fighter woman, who knew how to listen and always be present in all struggles, whether in the street or in offices. For a decade, she has been the face of APE, affable and always willing to attend to doubts and requests for statements. In a joint statement from APE and Engineers Without Borders, they remember Campuzano as a rock-solid, inspiring, and tireless activist, "who has managed to leave the world better than she found it, with a firm step and, at the same time, unprecedented sensitivity".
Campuzano's wake will open tomorrow, Monday, at 4 PM at the Ronda de Dalt Funeral Home in Barcelona, and the farewell ceremony will be held at 6 PM.