The Congress of Deputies has approved this Thursday the free public transport for 2026, by ratifying the amendment introduced last week in the Senate thanks to the support of the Popular Party. The measure, which provides for maintaining the 100% discount on season tickets and multi-journey tickets, is thus definitively incorporated into the new Mobility Law.
The deputy spokesman of the PP in Congress, José Vicente Marí, has celebrated the result of the vote and has assured that it is “a harsh corrective to the transport policies of Sánchez”. According to Marí, the minister Óscar Puente presented “a law in which he himself did not believe”, but the articulation of “an alternative majority to the Government” has allowed the incorporation of a broad package of modifications proposed by the Popular Party.
Specific recognition for the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands
Marí stressed that the majorities achieved in both chambers have been key for the regulation to recognize the insular fact and ensure that both the Balearic and Canary Islands receive specific state funding to cover the cost of free public transport. “It is essential for workers, students and families who depend on this service,” he said.
The popular leader has insisted that it would have been reasonable for the measure to come from the central government itself. “But we already know that Sánchez neither governs, nor is he, nor is he expected,” he criticized. Even so, the PP considers that today has again demonstrated its “responsibility” and its commitment to the citizens of the Balearic Islands, making the amendment prosper.
Change in the PSOE’s criteria
The PP has also highlighted the turn of the PSOE, which last week voted against this gratuity in the Senate and, in anticipation of losing the vote in Congress, has ended up supporting it. “They should explain why they did not want free transport for the Balearic Islands,” said Marí.
Debate on railway financing
The popular spokesman has also criticized the rejection of PSOE and Sumar Més to another amendment aimed at ensuring state funding for rail infrastructure in Mallorca. According to Marí, this refusal leaves the island without the possibility of accessing new sources of funding, either directly or through an agreement, as advocated by the Balearic president, Marga Prohens.
The amendment proposed that the Balearic Islands be declared of strategic and general interest by the State in railway matters, something that has not been finally included in the law.
Decarbonization of maritime transport
Another of the proposals of the PP that has fallen in Congress referred to the obligation of the State to finance a national plan for the decarbonization of maritime transport, considered essential for an island territory such as the Balearic Islands. This plan would have included aid for shipping companies to renew ships and assets to move towards a more sustainable model.
Marí regretted its rejection, considering that this is a key measure to “accompany companies in their energy transition and improve the environment” on the islands.
