Spain: Transport Secretary Quits After Train Design Error
The Facts
Spanish secretary of state for transport, Isabel Pardo de Vera, and the head of the state rail operator Renfe, Isaías Táboas, both resigned Monday following backlash over an order of 31 commuter trains too wide for some tunnels in the north of the country.
The resignations came as Spain's transport minister Raquel Sánchez was set to meet with the presidents of the regions of Asturias and Cantabria to explain how the errors were committed.
The Spin
Narrative B
The narrow-gauge routes in northern Spain have existed for decades, making it unbelievable that such an absurd mistake has been made. This, however, is not an isolated scandal but rather a symptom of the Spanish government's lack of control and transparency, as well as its disregard for Spaniards' money.
Narrative A
While the conservative opposition camp has been trying to use this bona fide error to criticize the Sánchez government ahead of this year's elections, officials have launched an internal audit into it and are working hard to find a solution. This mistake shouldn't have happened, but damages were mitigated as it was spotted early enough to prevent the use of public resources.
