The inquiry phase concerning the open investigation into the accounting practices of the widely followed group within the Alicante Provincial Assembly, covering the years 2015 through 2018, has been closed. The auditing body determined that no accounting responsibility existed and therefore dismissed the civil action brought before the Court of Accounts by Compromís. After reviewing all documents provided by the provincial institution and conducting the necessary investigations, the body indicated that under Temporary Liquidation Law the facts do not establish an accounting illegality and are unlikely to imply misappropriation of public funds. This stance aligns with the conclusions reached by the Alicante Provincial Prosecutor and the prior assessment from the Valencia coalition. Attribution: Court of Accounts. Evidence reviewed included detailed submissions from the provincial administration and subsequent audit activities that clarified the situation, ensuring that no financial wrongdoing was substantiated.
pay back
The investigative delegate noted that the popular group reimbursed funds deemed improper in the external audit ordered by the Provincial Assembly itself, totaling 45,399 euros for the period 2015-2018. Following the audit and oversight by the Provincial Assembly Intervention Office, all political groups within the provincial body clarified the expenses that had been misapplied by the popular group, and the reimbursement occurred when the matter was resolved on 3 August 2021 in line with the general assembly decision. The Court of Accounts findings again disputed Compromís arguments on this matter, mirroring the earlier stance of the Alicante Provincial Prosecutor and dismissing the complaint lodged by the Valencia coalition. No criminal activity was identified. Attribution: Court of Accounts and provincial authorities. The audit process and subsequent handling reaffirmed the absence of illicit conduct and highlighted compliance with financial oversight procedures.
The discussion surrounding the funds, and the broader implications for financial governance within the province, unfolded during the closing phase of the last completed period for the council. Issues centered on the justification of invoices connected to nearly half a million euros funneled to accounts associated with the Popular Party. At the time, when César Sánchez led the public institution, the transfer of 466,000 euros by the Popular Group over four terms was deemed not adequately justified by supporting invoices and records from the period years prior to the consolidation of the provincial accounts. This matter prompted intense scrutiny and debate about fiscal transparency and accountability within the provincial administration.
Conflict
The transfer of public funds during that period is the subject of ongoing settlement complaints that have progressed through the courts. This development has sparked a significant confrontation between the current president Carlos Mazón and the Valencia spokesperson Gerard Fullana, highlighting the political fault lines surrounding accountability and governance. The dispute emphasizes how financial decisions in local government can become politically charged and subject to extended legal and public scrutiny.
Eduardo Dolón, spokesman for the Popular Group in the Provincial Assembly, accused Compromís of aiming to undermine the Provincial Assembly for political gain. He asserted that the criticisms are part of a broader political strategy rather than a genuine effort to improve citizens lives. Dolón referenced allegations involving Mónica Oltra and several high-ranking Consell officials, and he characterized the ongoing criticisms as a provocative misrepresentation of the situation. The tone of the exchange underscores the friction between parties as they navigate issues of accountability and public trust.