Spain’s train drivers call for strike as deadly derailments fuel concern

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesJanuary 21, 2026 at 07:18 PM

AI Summary

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Following a series of deadly train derailments in Spain, the largest train drivers' union, SEMAF, has called for a nationwide strike, demanding improved safety measures and accountability. The call for action comes after a high-speed train collision in Cordoba on Sunday killed at least 43 people, and a separate incident near Barcelona on Tuesday resulted in one death and dozens of injuries. The union cited a "constant deterioration of the railway" as the reason for the strike. The Spanish Transport Minister has expressed willingness to negotiate with the union to avert the strike. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of Spain's rail network and drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers and the public.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Raluca Maria Pasca 30% Spanish Transport Minister 40% Gelida 50% ADIF 50% Cordoba 60% Barcelona ×260% Oscar Puente 60% SEMAF 70% Spain Train Strike 80% Spain ×690%

Keywords

train strike 90% train derailment 80% railway safety 70% train crash 70% rail infrastructure 60% union demands 50% high-speed train 50% criminal liability 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.70

Source Transparency

Source

Al Jazeera

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Spain

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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train strike train derailment railway safety train crash rail infrastructure union demands high-speed train criminal liability

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