Óscar Puente criticizes King Felipe VI and railway competition

Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente has sparked significant political controversy following public criticisms of King Felipe VI. The tension stems from a photograph of the King with journalist Javier Negre during an event in Colombia. Puente described the interaction as an ‘absolute ignominy’ and suggested the monarch’s image is contaminated by such associations.

Separately, Puente has engaged in a dispute regarding railway management and liberalization. He criticized the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) for requiring Renfe to share maintenance facilities with competitors Ouigo and Iryo, accusing the latter of ‘parasitizing’ public infrastructure. He also rejected proposals to liberalize profitable bus lines, citing concerns for territorial cohesion.

In regional politics, Puente has clashed with the leadership of Madrid and Andalusia. He challenged Isabel Díaz Ayuso and Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla over the management of commuter trains (Cercanías), stating that while they criticize the service, they have not formally requested to take over its management.