Ayuso closes Sol Metro station over protest camp; Transport denies health risks

The Madrid regional government, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has closed the Sol Metro station indefinitely due to a housing protest camp that has occupied Puerta del Sol for 20 nights, while the national government has declined to intervene. The closure affects over 300,000 daily commuters and tourists. Regional authorities cite the need to clean ventilation shafts accessed via plaza grilles now blocked by the camp, though Transport Ministry officials report no hygiene issues and Cercanías trains continue operating normally. The Government Delegation has demanded specifics on the alleged risks, questioning why cleaning cannot proceed while maintaining partial service. Metro Madrid says it will provide updates when available.