Can’t afford a home, worried about your next train. Spain calls this progress

Spain grapples with housing affordability and train safety concerns amid its government's continued announcements. The average number of protected homes completed annually under the Sánchez administration (1981-2021) is the lowest of any Spanish government, according to EWN's analysis. Despite national priority declarations, the country still lacks the necessary land, workers, and infrastructure to build homes.

Both regional and local administrations, including those governed by the Partido Popular, are held accountable for their decisions. The European Court of Auditors critiqued Spain's recovery fund transparency and traceability, highlighting deficiencies in reporting and underscoring the need for scrutiny. The October 28 train collision in Toledo, which left 69 people dead, has intensified accountability demands amid safety concerns.

The Partido Popular has sought Óscar Puente's dismissal, but it is insufficient to ensure safer journeys. Both the government and the opposition must establish what failed, identify responsibility, and outline necessary changes. Accountability should go beyond name changes, focusing on answers, improvements, and transparent budgeting.