Congress Advances Inquiry Commission on Azud Case in Valencia amid Financing Allegations
The Congressional Board has signaled approval to move forward with PP’s request to form a commission of inquiry into the Azud case. The commission would focus on suspected illegal financing involving the PSPV and PSOE in the Valencian Community. While the board has endorsed initiating the process, the final decision rests with the Advisory Board, and observers anticipate potential obstacles in the path to a full mandate, according to spokespersons cited by the Efe agency.
During a session held on Tuesday, the Congressional Council gave provisional backing to the creation of the commission, framing it as an initial procedural step. The ultimate shape and scope of the panel will depend on the proposals emerging from the Advisory Board, where many strategists expect the effort to stall before any lasting mandate is issued.
PP had requested the establishment of a congressional inquiry after the Senate Committee, with participation from the Socialists and the PNV, rejected an attempt by the Populares to probe the Azud matter within the Upper House.
The Azud case centers on alleged bribery and kickback schemes tied to political campaigns in the Valencian Community. Investigators allege that the PSPV-PSOE provided fraudulent funding to support regional and local campaigns for the year 2007. As of now, more than thirty PP-related charges are under review. The case trace points to contracts tied to the Valencia City Council, where ties between the former mayor and the Popular Party are said to have influenced operations. Among those closely scrutinized is José María Corbín, the brother-in-law of a leading figure linked to the PP, who is identified as one of the principal persons of interest in the inquiry.
Beyond these developments, the PP accuses the head of the Valencian Generalitat, a Socialist leader named Ximo Puig, and the PSOE of stalling the Azud investigation within the Valencian Courts for an entire year. The contention is that such delays leave Valencians without a clear understanding of how political funding is managed and disclosed and who bears ultimate responsibility for the source and distribution of campaign money.