The Catalan government has backed Transport Minister Óscar Puente remaining in office for now, as several political groups call for his resignation following last week’s rail accident in Urda, Toledo. Government spokesperson and Territory Minister Sílvia Paneque said Puente is “doing what a political leader should do” in response to the tragedy.
At a press conference after the Catalan cabinet meeting, Paneque said the priorities are to support victims and their families, launch an independent investigation, provide information clearly and transparently, and propose measures to improve rail safety. She declined to comment on whether Puente should resign, saying his actions so far are in line with those responsibilities.
Paneque said the causes of the crash and any possible political responsibility should not be assessed before the investigation reports its findings. The Catalan government said it is not yet possible to determine what caused the accident, or whether any decision by Puente contributed to it.
The government also addressed the possibility that high-speed rail service between Barcelona and Madrid could be suspended during works planned to begin next year. It described Puente’s remarks about a full interruption as a reflection made in the wake of the serious accident. The Catalan government’s position is to maintain service where safety allows, even if operating conditions are affected. It also said it understood the reasoning behind Puente’s proposal, noting that similar considerations have arisen in Catalonia during extensive Rodalies works.
Sources: La Vanguardia.