PP Proposes Investigative Committee on Spain's Railway Safety Amid Corruption Allegations

Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Popular Party (PP), announced on Thursday the party's intention to register an investigative committee in the Senate to examine the state of the high-speed railway network, Rodalies in Catalonia, and suburban train services across Spain. Speaking in an interview on Antena 3, as reported by Europa Press, Feijóo highlighted that the Ministry of Transport has become a focal point for corruption associated with the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), particularly referencing the imprisonment of former minister José Luis Ábalos. Feijóo stressed that the PP has both the right and responsibility to inform Spaniards about the maintenance and safety of the railway systems. He criticized the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, for failing to attend the Senate plenary session where he was expected to address recent tragic railway accidents in Adamuz, Córdoba, and Gelida, Barcelona, resulting in 46 fatalities. Feijóo condemned Sánchez's decision to delay these vital explanations until February 11 during a session in Congress, further complicating the legislative agenda. Furthermore, Feijóo directed his ire towards the current Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, accusing him of dishonesty regarding claims of track renewal. He pointed out a pattern of negligence on the government's part concerning the upkeep of the AVE high-speed rail and Rodalies networks, calling into question the safety and reliability of these vital transport systems in Spain. As the PP aims to shine a light on these issues, the proposed committee could reveal deeper insights into the current state of the railway infrastructure and government accountability. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2