Spain’s transport minister resigns: is it enough?
Following a second tragic train crash in Spain this year, Transport Minister Óscar Puente has stepped down, explaining that his resignation was a matter of political dignity, consistency and political sensitivity. Sixty-nine people were killed in a collision between two high-speed trains in the Spanish town of Urda. Another 46 died in a similar accident in Andalusia in January.
Resignation can't restore trust
Political scientist Anna López argues in eldiario.es that further action is needed:
“With less than four weeks to go before the elections, the voters' verdict will not depend on the technicalities of the railway system but on the government's – and ultimately the state's – ability to manage the situation. The [ruling] PSOE can no longer confine itself to pointing to social progress or positive economic figures. It must prove that it can guarantee something even more fundamental: safety. Puente has assumed political responsibility by resigning, but his exit alone cannot restore trust. Only facts, explanations and verifiable changes can achieve this. Because once credibility has been lost, there is no argument that can restore it.”
The crisis extends well beyond the railway sector
El Mundo also holds Prime Minister Sánchez responsible:
“If the chaos in the high-speed rail network really is indeed as serious as Puente has admitted, the prime minister himself bears the responsibility – and is now all the more exposed to attacks. It was Sánchez who has pressed ahead with filling leadership bodies, put his own people in key management positions and extended the legislative period despite lacking the necessary budget. He has prioritised retaining power over the efficiency of the state. The government cannot now simply attempt to resolve a crisis that extends far beyond the rail sector but has undermined the public's trust in the functioning of the public services.”
Time to take this issue seriously
In El País, author Sergio del Molino bemoans the lack of a fundamental debate:
“The indifference of the MPs aptly reflected the indifference of the Spanish people. ... For years we've been suffering as a result of the decline of the rail network, putting up with delays and disruptions with more than just stoic resignation. ... Even in recent days, beyond the party-political squabbling, Spanish society has shown more sympathy, sorrow and compassion for the victims than anger over the problems. Resignation runs deep. [A minister] stepping down, however unusual it may be in the Spanish tradition, will achieve nothing if his successors in the ministry don't take the railway issue seriously.”