Mallorca rail plans: Gomila demands cash

Mallorca, in Spain’s Balearic Islands, needs more state money for rail projects serving Llevant, Alcúdia and Llucmajor: that is Carme Gomila’s demand after Spanish transport minister Óscar Puente’s resignation. Gomila, Ara Més-Front Ampli’s lead candidate for Congress, made the call on Wednesday, 4 November. She also wants funding for a tram around the Bay of Palma.

Europa Press

Gomila says the Spanish government must set out the details of its rail agreement with the Balearic Islands. Her coalition wants more public control of the railway and a transfer of powers and funding to Spain’s autonomous communities.

The coalition says Puente needed to resign and wants the rail accidents in Urda, Adamuz and Gelida fully investigated. Gomila offered her condolences to the victims’ families. She says technical and judicial inquiries must examine everyone with responsibility, including rail infrastructure operator Adif, rather than blame a worker before the facts are clear.

Gomila blames the PP and PSOE for favouring a rail network centred on Madrid while neglecting maintenance of conventional lines and local trains. Her coalition proposes an investigation commission, an independent audit and a multi-year plan focused on safety and maintenance.

Gomila also called the loss of Republican majorities in both chambers of the US Congress a setback for Donald Trump. She said it offered hope ahead of Spain’s general election on 29 November, arguing that transport, housing and the cost of living should be priorities.

Mallorca rail plans: Gomila demands more funding