Sánchez Administration Allocates 271 Million for Communications as Train Infrastructure Concerns Grow

Spanish Government Faces Criticism Over Propaganda Spending Amid Railway Tragedies

The Spanish government approved a new institutional advertising and communication plan this Tuesday, allocating nearly €271 million for various campaigns in 2026. The plan divides this substantial sum into €155.60 million for 124 institutional campaigns and €115.07 million for 49 commercial campaigns, according to official government documents.

This latest allocation continues a pattern of significant spending on government communications. According to data reported by The Objective, total expenditure on government propaganda since Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez took office is expected to reach €2.308 billion, raising serious questions about fiscal priorities during a time of national tragedy.

The approval comes amid growing public outrage following two deadly railway accidents that claimed 46 lives in recent days. The most devastating incident occurred on January 18 in Adamuz, Córdoba province, resulting in 45 fatalities. Just two days later, on January 20, a train driver was killed in another accident in Gélida, Barcelona.

Critics argue these tragedies highlight severe infrastructure neglect across Spain’s railway network, contrasting sharply with the government’s willingness to spend billions on self-promotion. The timing of the propaganda budget announcement has intensified scrutiny of the coalition government formed by the Socialist Party (PSOE) and the leftist Sumar coalition.

Railway safety concerns have dominated headlines since the Adamuz disaster. Transportation Minister Óscar Puente faced additional criticism after ADIF, Spain’s railway infrastructure administrator, contradicted his earlier statements denying the existence of outdated rails at the accident site. This discrepancy has fueled accusations of governmental misinformation and attempts to deflect responsibility.

The coalition government’s priorities are further questioned as patient advocacy groups point out that promised aid for ALS patients remains unfulfilled years after commitments were made. These patients and their families continue waiting for essential support while watching significant funds directed toward government messaging campaigns.

Political analysts note that the Sánchez administration appears to be employing communication strategies reminiscent of those used by former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, particularly in how responsibility for crises is distributed and diluted across different governmental bodies.

The government defends its communication spending as necessary to inform citizens about public services and initiatives. However, opposition parties characterize it as an inappropriate use of taxpayer money intended primarily to bolster the coalition’s political standing amid declining poll numbers.

The PSOE’s declining electoral prospects have been attributed to several corruption scandals and public perception of mismanagement. Recent surveys indicate growing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of infrastructure maintenance, public safety, and fiscal responsibility.

For many Spaniards, the railway tragedies represent more than isolated accidents – they symbolize broader concerns about infrastructure investment, public safety priorities, and governmental transparency. As investigations into both accidents continue, public debate intensifies regarding the appropriate balance between government communications spending and essential public services investment.

The contrast between billions spent on institutional messaging and the fatal consequences of infrastructure neglect has transformed what might have been a routine budget approval into a flashpoint for national debate about governance priorities in contemporary Spain.