The ongoing disruption to the AVE high-speed rail network in Andalucia has sparked political outcry.
Regional president Juanma Moreno sharply criticised the lack of progress on the route between Malaga and Madrid, warning the situation is damaging the region’s economy and reputation.
Speaking on Wednesday, Moreno said authorities in Andalucia had been ‘extremely patient’, questioning how the response would differ if similar problems were happening elsewhere in Spain.
‘How would some be reacting if this were happening in Barcelona?’ he asked.
The Malaga-Madrid AVE connection has been severely affected for nearly two months, with repeated delays to its full reopening.
According to Moreno, rail infrastructure manager Adif has given three different dates for restoring normal service – first February 28, then March 24, and now the end of April.
He claimed the disruption has already caused economic losses of around €1.3 billion.
The regional government also highlighted the reputational impact on Malaga, one of Spain’s key tourist destinations, which attracts around 10 million visitors a year and accounts for roughly one in three tourists visiting Andalucia.
Moreno also criticised what he described as a lack of accountability from central authorities.
He pointed to a recent incident affecting commuter rail services in Barcelona, where a senior official stepped down, contrasting it with Andalucia.
‘In Andalucía, not a single responsibility has been assumed – not even after the Adamuz accident,’ he said.
Even when the line reopens, services are expected to be limited.
Moreno warned that trains will initially run on a single track, resulting in slower journeys and fewer services.
‘We are paying for high-speed rail, but there is no high speed,’ he said.
He added that daily delays across the rail network should not be accepted as normal.
The comments also come amid growing political tension, after Spain’s central government representative in Malaga accused opposition figures of exploiting the situation.
Moreno responded by calling for ‘calm, common sense and respect’, urging officials to focus on resolving the issue rather than escalating the rhetoric.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
