The Railway Network Commission of the Senate has announced the summoning of two former Secretaries of State for Transport. The first to appear will be a former Secretary of State during the tenure of former minister José Luis Ábalos, whose testimony is scheduled for next Friday. Subsequently, on Monday, May 11, it will be the turn of a former Secretary of State who held the position between 2021 and 2023.
The spokesperson for a parliamentary group in the Senate has emphasized the importance of these appearances, describing those summoned as “key figures” due to their responsibility in overseeing infrastructure conditions and implementing necessary investments. Questions are expected to focus on the alleged disregard for warnings regarding track deterioration.
“"Both leaders were very busy with corruption and neglected their duties at the Ministry."
Regarding the former Secretary of State, her involvement in a judicial case for alleged participation in irregular personnel contracts and illicit public works awards has been noted. The spokesperson insisted that she must explain why proper attention was not given to track maintenance, especially after it was confirmed that the accident was due to a rail fracture.
The parliamentary group has expressed concern over the accumulation of scandals and the lack of answers, pointing out that the consequences fall on the citizens. They have criticized the management of the Ministry of Transport, which they describe as a “black hole of corruption” where funds intended for infrastructure modernization were allegedly diverted.
Finally, questions have been raised about why no action was taken despite warnings from train drivers, why tracks were not properly inspected, and why necessary investments were not made to ensure a safe railway network. Recent statements in a trial related to a mask procurement case, implicating a high-ranking political figure in allowing corruption, have also been mentioned.
