A new political conflict has erupted in Madrid amid a national tragedy. The president of the autonomous community, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, insisted on holding a memorial mass at the La Almudena Cathedral in honor of the victims of the train disasters in Córdoba and Barcelona. The ceremony is scheduled for January 29 — two days before the official state funeral, which will take place in Huelva, where most of the victims’ families live. This decision sparked a strong reaction both among politicians and in society.
Ayuso publicly stated that she had not been informed about the plans for the state mourning ceremony in Huelva and emphasized that all Spaniards, not just the residents of Andalusia, share in the pain of the tragedy. In a letter to the Archbishop of Madrid, she noted that the mass at La Almudena would serve as a symbol of condolence and solidarity on behalf of the entire country. However, her initiative was immediately seen as an attempt to draw attention to herself and use the tragedy for political gain.
Accusations and counterstatements
The opposition in the Madrid Community was quick to criticize. Representatives of left-wing parties accused Ayuso of exploiting the grief of the victims’ families for political gain. In their view, the regional president seeks the spotlight at any cost, even in times of national mourning. Manuela Bergerot, leader of the Más Madrid faction, called Ayuso’s actions ‘shameful’ and accused her of provoking yet another conflict rather than showing compassion for the victims.
In response to these accusations, Ayuso stated that the mass is strictly an act of remembrance and respect, and she considers the opposition’s attempts to turn a religious ceremony into a political dispute unacceptable. According to her, holding the mass in Madrid is important for the whole country, not just the capital. She also emphasized that she does not intend to back down from her initiative despite the pressure.
Response from the Church and regions
The Archbishop of Madrid, José Cobo, supported Ayuso’s initiative and officially confirmed that the mass will be held on January 29. In his letter, he invited not only the relatives of the victims but all residents of Madrid to join the prayer. Three bishops from the province—Getafe, Alcalá, and Madrid—will attend the ceremony. According to church leaders, this event should become an act of national unity.
Meanwhile, Andalusia and other regions most affected by the disaster are also holding mourning events. In Córdoba, where the train derailment occurred, a mass has already taken place in the municipality of Adamuz, and services are scheduled in the coming days at the Córdoba cathedral and in Málaga. In Huelva, where the highest death toll was recorded, a state funeral ceremony will be held on January 31, with top national officials expected to attend.
Political undertones
The scandal around Ayuso’s initiative has been further fueled by the fact that the state funeral ceremony in Huelva will be secular. This has sparked discontent among a segment of the Christian community, who believe the victims should be commemorated with a religious ceremony. Ayuso seized on this sentiment to emphasize the importance of the mass in Madrid, which, according to critics, only deepened divisions between the regions.
At the same time, the leadership of the Partido Popular backed their colleague. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, speaking at a separate memorial event, stated that remaining silent in response to the tragedy is not an option, and he called for an open discussion of the disaster’s causes and official accountability. He also accused the government of insufficient investment in railway infrastructure and of supposedly making concessions to regional elites at the expense of national interests.
Public outcry
The public reaction has been mixed. In Andalusia, many saw Ayuso’s actions as an attempt to claim the right to mourning, which rightfully belongs to residents of the affected regions. Social networks were abuzz with debates over who should hold memorial ceremonies and where, and whether it is appropriate to use the tragedy for political statements. Some commentators note that such conflicts only deepen the grief of the victims’ families and hinder national unity.
Meanwhile, preparations for both ceremonies are in full swing. Madrid expects a large turnout, including representatives from various political groups and civil society organizations. In Huelva, the mourning ritual is being organized with special care, emphasizing that most of the victims’ families live here. Authorities in both autonomous communities stress the importance of mutual respect and urge not to turn mourning into a battleground for political disputes.
