The Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, has placed his position at the disposal of the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, after the serious railway accident in Urda (Toledo), which has left 69 dead and more than fifty injured. In addition, the minister is considering not participating in the PSOE's election campaign for the general elections on November 29.
According to government sources, Puente has stated that he would have no problem leaving the Ministry if Sánchez asked him to. However, the president considers that it would be unfair to remove him from his responsibility and, for the moment, maintains his confidence in him.
The situation comes at a complicated time for the PSOE, which is preparing for the upcoming general elections. The election campaign will begin on November 13 and the possible absence of one of the party's best-known ministers could change the socialists' plans.
Puente considers not participating in the PSOE's election campaign
The Minister of Transport has not yet made a decision about his presence in the PSOE's rallies and electoral events. According to Executive sources, Puente does not consider it essential to participate in the campaign and is considering staying out after the railway tragedy.
The Urda accident has changed the political plans for the coming days. The Government and political parties have had to focus their attention on the victims, the affected families, and the investigation to find out what happened. Puente, who appeared this Friday for the second time since the accident, explained that his priority now is to clarify the facts and work to improve the safety of the railway system.
Óscar Puente rules out resigning and assures that he will remain in charge of Transport
Despite having placed his position at the disposal of Pedro Sánchez, the minister has denied that he is thinking of resigning. During his appearance before the media, he defended that it is not the time to talk about his continuity, but to explain what happened and to know the causes of the accident.
"I am going to move forward trying to fulfill my duty, which is what I have been put here for and which, in this case, is to show my face, explain, clarify and think about how to improve the system and how to offer confidence to the citizens", he stated.
Esta es la rueda de prensa que, por espacio de casi dos horas y sin límite de preguntas he ofrecido hoy. https://t.co/z5E4R3DVWi
— Óscar Puente (@oscar_puente_) October 30, 2026
Also, he has made it clear that he does not intend to leave the Ministry due to criticism from opposition parties. Puente has assured that he will not hide and that he believes his responsibility now is to provide explanations about what happened. For now, Pedro Sánchez maintains his support for the minister, while investigations into the Urda railway accident continue. Puente's possible participation in the PSOE's election campaign remains undecided.
