A new political scandal is erupting in Spain: the long-awaited meeting between People’s Party (Partido Popular) leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been abruptly canceled with no new date set. The reason is a series of tragic train disasters that have shaken the country and raised concerns about the safety of the entire transport system. While the nation is still reeling from the deaths of dozens, political leaders have entered into open confrontation, accusing each other of inaction and withholding information.
The meeting was expected to address the possible involvement of Spanish troops in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. However, the People’s Party suddenly issued an ultimatum: before discussing foreign policy, a thorough and independent review of the railways must be conducted. Feijóo publicly accused the government of mismanagement and lack of transparency, stating that the country cannot discuss international missions until the causes of the tragedies at home are fully understood.
Tragedy on the rails
It all began with a horrific accident in Adamuz, where a train crash claimed 45 lives. Barely had the country begun to mourn when, just two days later, another tragedy struck in Gelida (Barcelona): this time, a trainee driver became the victim, killed in a suburban train collision. The wave of outrage swept across Spain, igniting public debate about systemic issues in the management of the railway network.
Feijóo did not hide his frustration: according to him, the government has not only failed to provide clear explanations, but continues to ignore calls for an independent audit. “The more they talk, the more confusing it gets, and their actions only frighten people,” the politician announced at an emergency press conference. He stressed that five days after the tragedy, the public has yet to receive any concrete details about the causes of the disaster—evidence, in his view, of a total managerial collapse.
A political divide
While the government tried to maintain an appearance of control, discontent was growing within Feijóo’s circle. The leak about plans to resume talks on Ukraine as early as next week—at the peak of national mourning—sparked particular irritation. The People’s Party saw it as an attempt to deflect attention from domestic issues and mounting public pressure. Moreover, party representatives openly stated they saw no point in discussing foreign policy matters until comprehensive answers were provided regarding the railway disasters.
As a result, the meeting scheduled for January 19 was called off by Feijóo’s initiative the night before. Sánchez had no choice but to agree to postpone, also delaying negotiations with other political forces. Still, the People’s Party does not rule out the possibility of refusing to take part in such meetings altogether if their demands for an investigation remain unanswered.
Ultimatum and Boycott
The situation reached boiling point: the People’s Party is considering a full boycott of talks with the government if an independent audit of rail safety isn’t conducted. “Now is not the time to discuss Ukraine when questions of accountability for the loss of life in Spain remain unresolved,” party representatives stated. Behind the scenes, there is talk that Feijóo may ignore the prime minister’s invitation for the first time ever, despite the tradition of respect for the presidency.
Meanwhile, other political forces are voicing their discontent as well: Junts has already withdrawn from negotiations, while representatives of EH Bildu and PNV are waiting for clarifications. Public distrust in official statements is growing, and social media users are questioning why the authorities are so determined to avoid an open investigation.
Sánchez’s response
Under pressure from the opposition and the public, the Prime Minister announced his intention to appear before Congress and provide explanations regarding the railway disasters. However, the People’s Party insists that without an independent audit and concrete steps to ensure the safety of the transport system, any statements from the government will be seen as an attempt to cover up the scandal. Feijóo recalled that not long ago Spain’s railway network was a source of national pride, but has now become a symbol of a management crisis.
As the authorities try to keep the situation under control, political tensions continue to rise. Whether a meeting between Feijóo and Sánchez will take place remains uncertain, and calls for investigations into the tragedies are growing louder. Spain is holding its breath, waiting for new revelations and decisions that could shift the country’s political balance.
