Santiago Abascal, leader of the Vox party, sharply criticized the government following the railway disaster in Adamuz that claimed 42 lives. According to him, the tragedy was a direct consequence of corruption and the inaction of officials responsible for the country’s transportation infrastructure. Abascal did not hide his outrage, stating that negligence and lack of oversight led to such grave consequences.
Speaking at an event organized by a business forum in Madrid, the politician reminded the audience of the recent arrests of the former transport minister and his advisor, as well as the ongoing investigation into the ex-head of the railway company. He stressed that these events cannot be viewed separately from the tragedy. In Abascal’s opinion, the decision to drastically reduce train speeds after the accident amounts to an admission of guilt by infrastructure management.
Corruption and its aftermath
Abascal did not limit his accusations to a few individuals. He stated that systemic corruption permeates all levels of transport management. According to him, train drivers, engineers, and passengers have long complained about safety issues and poor service quality, yet their concerns have been ignored. The Vox leader maintains that silence and mourning should not be used as a cover to conceal widespread violations.
The politician paid particular attention to the issue of funding. He reminded that railway companies receive significant amounts from European funds, but in his view, this money does not lead to real infrastructure improvements. Instead, Abascal argues, the country is facing the degradation of public services, higher taxes, and growing expenses to maintain the political establishment.
Public response
Public opinion is divided over Abascal’s statements. Some see his words as an attempt to exploit tragedy for political gain, while others support the demand for transparency and accountability. The politician himself rejected accusations of exploiting the tragedy, saying it is his duty to speak the truth and push for change.
He stressed that Spaniards do not expect him to display empty emotions, but want to see real action against corruption. According to Abascal, it is the lack of oversight and official impunity that caused not only this catastrophe but also other crises in recent years—from the pandemic to natural disasters.
Unanswered questions
Authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, but there is no clear timeline for its completion. Abascal expressed doubts that the public will get honest answers anytime soon. He pointed out that similar investigations often drag on for years, with those responsible escaping accountability.
The government sharply condemned the statements made by the Vox leader, calling them cynical and inappropriate. Nevertheless, questions about the transparency and efficiency of the transport system’s management remain unresolved. The tragedy in Adamuz has once again brought to the forefront the issue of trust in institutions and the need for reform.
