Puente keeps a leadership full of allies and former PSOE officials at the helm of managing the worst crisis in Adif's history

Pedro Sánchez became president of the Government in June 2018 after a motion of censure against Mariano Rajoy, promising to end political patronage in public institutions. However, the current management of Adif, the public railway company, has raised concerns due to its political appointments amidst a severe railway crisis resulting in numerous fatalities. The leadership of Adif has changed multiple times under Sánchez's administration, with recent appointments reflecting a mix of political backgrounds and technical expertise. Critics argue that political affiliations overshadow meritocracy in key positions, especially following the recent accidents that have damaged the reputation of Spain's high-speed rail system. Calls for greater independence from political influence in Adif have intensified, highlighting the need for qualified professionals in technical roles.