Óscar Puente resigns as Transport Minister following Urda accident

Óscar Puente has announced his resignation as Spain's Transport Minister and has stepped down as the head of the PSOE list for the elections on November 29. The decision comes after the serious train accident in Urda (Toledo), where at least 69 people lost their lives. Puente stated that his resignation is a matter of 'political dignity, coherence, and empathy with the victims.'

The announcement was made at the end of a more than four-hour session in the Permanent Deputation of the Congress of Deputies, where the circumstances of the accident and the safety measures planned by the Government were discussed. During the session, Puente defended his continuation in the role until public and political pressure intensified.

After the accident, which is regarded as the second most serious under his tenure in less than a year, Puente acknowledged that he could not remain in office. The incidents have sparked strong criticism from the public as well as calls in Congress for him to take responsibility for his management.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised Puente's decision, indicating that by assuming his responsibilities and resigning, he has demonstrated a sense of political responsibility. Puente's decision has generated mixed reactions in the political arena, with calls for changes from both the opposition and within his own party.

In his speech, Puente emphasized the severity of the situation and its impact on the families affected by the tragedy. This accident has reignited the debate on rail safety in Spain and the responsibility of public officials in cases of such large-scale calamities.

The minister's situation has been complicated in recent weeks, and although he had the backing of Sánchez for a time, the growing pressure ultimately led him to decide to step down, leaving many surprised, considering he had maintained his position despite the criticism.