Aragón President Jorge Azcón also remembered those who died during a tribute held in Zaragoza. In his remarks, he expressed his condolences to their families and loved ones and stressed that the 69 victims deserved “condolences, respect, truth and forgiveness”.
A TRIBUTE TO FÁTIMA BÁÑEZ
Azcón described the president of the CEOE Foundation and former minister of Employment and Social Security as an “exceptional” person and a “public servant in the fullest sense of the word”. The president highlighted her ability to engage in dialogue and her dedication to her work, and lamented the loss she represented for her family, the People's Party and the business organization.
The president explained that he had spoken this morning with Báñez's husband, Jaime, to convey his condolences, and highlighted the composure with which he had handled the conversation. He also recalled the former minister's special ties to Aragón through her personal and professional relationships. For its part, CEOE CEPYME Huesca expressed its sorrow over her death and stood with her family, friends and colleagues in their grief.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE RAILWAY LINE
Azcón called for political accountability and questioned Óscar Puente's continued tenure as head of the Ministry of Transport. The Aragonese president said it was inconceivable that he should remain minister and rejected the idea that the person who had overseen the railway system in recent years should lead the investigation. He also stressed that apologizing to the victims had to be accompanied by the assumption of responsibility.
The president also expressed concern over statements he attributed to Puente about a possible suspension of rail traffic between Barcelona and Madrid, particularly on the section between Calatayud and the Spanish capital. In response to that possibility, he announced that the Government of Aragón would immediately request from the ministry all reports and documents that could justify the measure, with the aim of understanding the situation and explaining to the public what was happening.
