Rodalies crisis strains relationship between Catalan Government and Minister Óscar Puente

The Catalan executive tries to manage the service paralysis without undermining collaboration with Madrid, despite opposition criticism.

Generic image of an empty train station or a Rodalies track with railway signaling.
IA

Generic image of an empty train station or a Rodalies track with railway signaling.

The suspension of the Rodalies service due to low driver turnout has escalated tensions between the Generalitat Government and the Ministry of Transport, led by Óscar Puente, despite efforts to maintain cooperation.

The rail crisis, exacerbated by only six of the 140 drivers scheduled to operate yesterday morning showing up for work, has placed the Govern in an uncomfortable position. The Minister of Territori, Sílvia Paneque, confirmed the data after announcing an agreement to resume service, showing the problem goes beyond network obsolescence.
Although publicly there have been no signs of strain, Minister Puente's comments about the drivers' "emotional soufflé" complicated collaboration. Socialist sources indicate that the Govern is caught in the dispute between Renfe and Adif, forced to face the public without having full control over decisions.

"If they do not provide solutions, in the end we will have to demand resignations from them."

Oriol Junqueras · ERC Leader
Political pressure is high. While ERC called the situation an "absolute disgrace," Junts accused the executive of "incompetence." The Govern, however, avoids a frontal clash with Puente, prioritizing finding solutions and avoiding risking the relationship, which PSC leadership assures is "good," despite their different styles.