Puente Labels PP as Eager for Early Elections Amid Continued Governance
Transport Minister Óscar Puente asserts PSOE will govern using existing 2023 budgets despite pressure from the opposition.
At the conclusion of the Provincial Congress of the PSOE Málaga, Transport and Sustainable Mobility Minister Óscar Puente commented on the political landscape, stating that the Popular Party (PP) is 'crazy' and 'desperate' for early elections, primarily due to the absence of new budgets.
Puente emphasized that the Socialist government will continue to operate based on the modifications made to the 2023 budgets.
“And the President of the Government is strong.
I have never seen him like this,” Puente remarked, asserting confidence that Pedro Sánchez will not call for premature elections and will remain in office until 2027. He expressed conviction that when Spaniards return to the polls, Sánchez will be re-elected, citing the Prime Minister’s understanding of the sentiments of socialist party members.
Puente pointed out that the PP's 'desperation' for early elections dates back to Sánchez's ascension to Moncloa, urging the opposition to refrain from the narrative of a budgetary deadlock.
Referencing experiences from his community, he mentioned that six budget extensions occurred without significant outcry.
In addressing public transportation, Puente highlighted that recent subsidies allowing free travel on commuter trains were enacted through modifications, rather than being initially included in the 2023 budgets.
He underscored that governance can advance without new budgets.
Puente also discussed ongoing infrastructure projects, including the coastal train in Málaga, the toll road in Marbella, and the road collapse in Ronda due to severe weather conditions, which has necessitated a complete traffic halt until repairs are finalized.
Concerning the coastal train, Puente clarified that it is an autonomous project that the government has assumed responsibility for but emphasized that not all infrastructure issues should fall to the central government.
He pointed to a lack of consensus within the PP, stating, 'Some hear unanimity in one area for a claim, and there is always the PP, but when it is their turn to act, there is no unanimity, only a blank sheet of paper.'
Puente directed a message to the Junta de Andalucía, articulating the need for accountability: 'If you cause problems, you should pay for them.
We cannot take on everything,' he remarked.
He insisted that the regional government must fulfill its responsibilities as it is in place to address these issues.
The minister cited the extension of the Málaga Metro and the Ronda highway as examples of infrastructure projects that fall under the jurisdiction of the Junta de Andalucía and the PP. In a contrasting note, he remarked that despite the challenges, 'this is the good PP, the one of Moreno Bonilla; it could be as bad as the one of Mazón.'
Reiterating the importance of local governance, Puente reminded the audience of the 'responsibility and opportunity' for Andalucía, stating, 'We need to recover Andalucía; the PSOE of Andalucía must once again take the lead in this society, from Málaga to Almería, through Granada, Jaén, Córdoba, Sevilla, to Cádiz and Huelva.'
Puente emphasized that the Socialist government will continue to operate based on the modifications made to the 2023 budgets.
“And the President of the Government is strong.
I have never seen him like this,” Puente remarked, asserting confidence that Pedro Sánchez will not call for premature elections and will remain in office until 2027. He expressed conviction that when Spaniards return to the polls, Sánchez will be re-elected, citing the Prime Minister’s understanding of the sentiments of socialist party members.
Puente pointed out that the PP's 'desperation' for early elections dates back to Sánchez's ascension to Moncloa, urging the opposition to refrain from the narrative of a budgetary deadlock.
Referencing experiences from his community, he mentioned that six budget extensions occurred without significant outcry.
In addressing public transportation, Puente highlighted that recent subsidies allowing free travel on commuter trains were enacted through modifications, rather than being initially included in the 2023 budgets.
He underscored that governance can advance without new budgets.
Puente also discussed ongoing infrastructure projects, including the coastal train in Málaga, the toll road in Marbella, and the road collapse in Ronda due to severe weather conditions, which has necessitated a complete traffic halt until repairs are finalized.
Concerning the coastal train, Puente clarified that it is an autonomous project that the government has assumed responsibility for but emphasized that not all infrastructure issues should fall to the central government.
He pointed to a lack of consensus within the PP, stating, 'Some hear unanimity in one area for a claim, and there is always the PP, but when it is their turn to act, there is no unanimity, only a blank sheet of paper.'
Puente directed a message to the Junta de Andalucía, articulating the need for accountability: 'If you cause problems, you should pay for them.
We cannot take on everything,' he remarked.
He insisted that the regional government must fulfill its responsibilities as it is in place to address these issues.
The minister cited the extension of the Málaga Metro and the Ronda highway as examples of infrastructure projects that fall under the jurisdiction of the Junta de Andalucía and the PP. In a contrasting note, he remarked that despite the challenges, 'this is the good PP, the one of Moreno Bonilla; it could be as bad as the one of Mazón.'
Reiterating the importance of local governance, Puente reminded the audience of the 'responsibility and opportunity' for Andalucía, stating, 'We need to recover Andalucía; the PSOE of Andalucía must once again take the lead in this society, from Málaga to Almería, through Granada, Jaén, Córdoba, Sevilla, to Cádiz and Huelva.'
Translation:
Translated by AI
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