Spanish Transport Minister Resigns After Deadly Train Disaster
by Kosta Papadopoulos · Greek City TimesSpain’s Transport Minister Oscar Puente announced his resignation on Tuesday, nearly a week after a train disaster killed at least 69 people, marking the second deadly railway collision in the country this year.
“I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as Minister of Transport. I will also not stand in the lists for the early parliamentary elections on November 29,” Puente told MPs.
“As Transport Minister in a country like Spain, I cannot remain in office following two such serious accidents in less than a year, however different their circumstances may be, regardless of whether I bear direct responsibility for them,” he said.
Puente also referred to the railway disaster in Adamuz, Andalusia, in southern Spain, which claimed 46 lives.
Read more: Tempi Train Crash Trial Continues with 21 Witnesses This Week
“This is a matter of political dignity, consistency and compassion for the victims,” he said.
Puente added that he had made his decision following the latest train collision on October 28.
“I made my decision about my future within the first few minutes after the tragedy, as soon as I learned about it,” he said.
He explained that he had chosen to announce his resignation at the national parliament after completing what he considered his most urgent responsibilities: overseeing the initial investigations, introducing the first compensation measures for victims and improving railway safety in the short term.
Earlier on Tuesday, following a Cabinet meeting, Puente presented an emergency plan to strengthen safety across Spain’s high-speed rail network. He also announced a support mechanism for survivors and the families of victims.
The minister said the government would work “tirelessly” to restore public confidence in the country’s high-speed railway network.
(Source: AMNA)
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