Spain's Rail Safety Under the Spotlight

Spain's rail network has been in the headlines recently, and not for good reasons. Two serious accidents in January have put the government's spending on railways under scrutiny.

Recent Incidents

• High-speed train crash in the south: Killed 45 people
• Derailment in Catalonia: Took the life of a train driver

These incidents have sparked a heated debate about rail safety, maintenance, and infrastructure spending.

Government's Defense

The transport minister, Oscar Puente, defended the government's record:

• Maintenance spending per kilometer: Increased by 66% since 2017
• Spain's position: At or above the European average
• France: Invests slightly more
• Italy: Spends less

Criticisms and Challenges

Critics argue that maintenance investment has not kept up with:

• Expanding rail network
• Rising passenger numbers

Puente also pointed out:

• Investment gap: Spain invested about 30 billion euros less in rail infrastructure between 2010 and 2018 compared to pre-financial crisis levels
• Current government's investment: Increased total annual rail investment to around 5 billion euros in 2025, up from roughly 1.7 billion euros in 2017

Political Fallout

The recent accidents have raised questions about whether these investments are enough to ensure rail safety. Opposition lawmakers have called for Puente's resignation, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining infrastructure and managing public finances.