Carlos Cuerpo, Spain’s economy minister and first deputy prime minister, will also take charge of the Transport Ministry following Óscar Puente’s resignation. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the appointment in a statement from the Moncloa Palace.
Sánchez said Cuerpo had shown strong management skills, integrity and a disposition he believed Spanish politics needed. He added that the new minister would continue reforms launched under Puente.
The prime minister praised Puente for facing the challenges of his tenure, offering solutions and ultimately stepping aside. Sánchez said the resignation was motivated by empathy for victims and political consistency, and accepted it with gratitude and respect.
Puente announced his decision at the end of a nearly five-hour appearance in Congress, six days after the Urda accident. He had defended his record, announced measures and discussed details emerging from the investigation. His resignation surprised much of the government, the Socialist Party and lawmakers, after officials had said earlier that he would remain in office.
Sánchez said Puente’s departure should help restore confidence in the railway system and in political integrity. He also said the government would continue assisting those affected by the accident and working to restore normal high-speed rail services.
Sources: elDiario.es.