Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente announced his resignation on Tuesday, almost a week after a rail disaster that claimed the lives of at least 69 people, marking the second deadly train collision on Spain's rail network this year.
Addressing lawmakers, Puente said he would step down from his ministerial duties and would not stand as a candidate in the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for 29 November.
"As Transport Minister in a country like Spain, I cannot remain in this position after two such serious accidents in less than a year, however different they may be," he said.
Puente stressed that his decision was not dependent on whether he bore direct responsibility for the accidents, referring also to a previous rail disaster in Adamuz, Andalusia, which left 46 people dead.
"It is a matter of political dignity, consistency and compassion for the victims."
Decision taken immediately after crash
The minister said he decided on his future within minutes of learning about the train collision on 28 October.
"I made my decision about my future in the first minutes after this tragedy, as soon as I became aware of it."
Puente said he delayed announcing the move until initial investigations had been launched, emergency measures introduced and efforts begun to support victims and improve rail safety.
"I am making this decision public today, in the most appropriate place, the seat of national sovereignty, once what I considered the most urgent duties had been completed."
New rail safety measures
Earlier on Tuesday, following a Cabinet meeting, Puente presented an emergency plan to strengthen safety across Spain's high-speed rail network.
He also unveiled a support mechanism for survivors and the families of victims, pledging that the government would work "tirelessly" to restore public confidence in the country's high-speed rail system.
The train crash on 28 October killed at least 69 people, prompting renewed scrutiny of railway safety and political accountability in Spain.
Source: CNA
