The Unicaja Foundation is set to convene an extraordinary board of trustees meeting this Thursday to decide whether the requests from the Anglo-Saxon law firm should be granted. Baker McKenzie would be tasked with preparing a report that explains whether Braulio Medel meets the eligibility criteria to remain as president. The foundation selected this Chicago-based firm last week to handle the commission because Deloitte and Uría Menéndez were not chosen as the initial options. The paper indicates Baker McKenzie gave a positive response, though the firm would need extra time beyond the period established by the Undersecretariat of Foundations. It is noted that the ministry oversight falls under a regional ministry.
It should be noted that the maximum period granted by Patronage on March 24 is two months, with the period ending on May 24. The foundation’s patrons must decide today whether to approve the extension. If the decision is positive, it must also be accepted by the Undersecretariat of Foundations.
The meeting is expected to be tense due to the possibility of an extension. Some employers criticize Medel, arguing that he still believes he is the president and that this process delays his announced resignation while trying to influence the selection of his successor, even if not involved in preparing the report, thus sustaining his strategies. In the letter issued on Holy Thursday, the head of the foundation announced that resignation would become official regardless of the report’s content and before its finalization. Sources indicate that Medel could remain in office during this period as well.
Political demonstrations calling for the immediate dismissal of the foundation’s chairman have intensified in recent days. Malaga’s mayor, Francis de la Torre, expressed concern last Monday that Medel has not formalized her resignation, giving the impression of a deliberate delay. De la Torre also regretted that since Medel announced stepping down as head of the Unicaja Foundation in mid-April, the institution has not moved to appoint a successor. The councilor stated that there is no need to wait for additional consultant reports, as this prolongs a situation that is not good for Unicaja, which calls for a resolution.
On behalf of the Presidency, the Minister of Public Administration and Interior and the Spokesperson of the Andalusian Government, Elijah Bendodo argued that it would be highly recommended that Medel’s departure occur as soon as possible, so that such an important asset could return to normal. He added that when someone says they are leaving, it is because they are leaving, and there is no justification for delaying the resignation further.