Spain's Transport Minister Sacks ADIF Chief After Rail Disasters

Carlos Cuerpo, the new Spanish Minister of Transport, has dismissed Luis Pedro Marco de la Peña as president of ADIF (the state-owned railway infrastructure administrator) in his first decision upon taking office. This removal trinc two major rail accidents in Urda and Adamuz, which together claimed 115 lives.

Cuerpo, who serves as First Vice President and Minister of Economy, added the Transport portfolio to his duties on Wednesday by order of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, after Óscar Puente resigned on Tuesday. His initial move was not an infrastructure plan or a press conference, but the dismissal of ADIF’s president, a fact first reported by ABC and later confirmed by other sources.

## A Removal Trinc Two Accidents

Marco de la Peña had held the presidency since September 2024, when he replaced Ángel Contreras at Puente’s suggestion. A civil engineer aged 57 with a background in the Basque Government, his departure comes after the accidents in Urda on October 28 and Adamuz on January 18, totaling 115 fatalities.

According to Europa Press, the outgoing president had already expressed his intention to leave the role to the former minister. Sector unions had long been demanding changes in the management of this public company.

## €20 Billion Framework Approved Before Changeover

On the same Wednesday, prior to meeting with Cuerpo, Marco de la Peña chaired ADIF’s Board of Directors. The board approved a financing framework with the State worth approximately €20 billion through 2030. The meeting proceeded with the president still in post, and the dismissal occurred afterward.

ADIF is the public entity managing Spain’s railway infrastructure, including tracks, stations, and much of the system’s investment. Its presidency is not a minor technical role, explaining why the new minister’s first gesture was to alter this leadership position.

It remains to be seen who will fill the vacancy and under what conditions. While the financing framework is approved, executing these investments and ensuring network safety remain the company’s priorities.