Reasons
Since June, the Sindicatura de Comptes of the Valencian Community has operated on an ad hoc basis. The legal framework delegates authority to the Síndic Major de Comptes and to the other trustees, Marcela Miró and Antonio Mira-Perceval, as well as Vincent Cucarella, all elected by the Valencian Parliament in May 2004. Their terms last six years, a period already exceeded by Miró and Mira-Perceval. It is uncommon for public officials to remain active beyond a single term once they are over 18 years old.
Unless a surprising development emerges in July, the prevailing view is that the current interim arrangement will persist at least until the start of the next political year, around September. Yet some sources consulted by this newspaper are more pessimistic, and there is a broad expectation that Cucarella, Miró, and Mira-Perceval will continue serving beyond the expiry of their terms in the next legislature after surveys are completed. (Source: Sindicatura de Comptes, informants)
The protracted continuity of the interim period stems from two main factors: the coalition between PSPV-PSOE and Compromís for stability, and tactical calculations by the People’s Party. The latter hopes to gain leverage in the Valencian Courts by building on recent electoral outcomes in Andalusia and potential benefits tied to the wear and tear Botànic has experienced. The judicial developments also contributed to Mónica Oltra’s resignation from all duties during the period in question.
There is a commitment to keeping Cucarella in the Buyer. The law prevents him from continuing as Síndic Major, so he would have to remain as a syndicate member. Defenders of Cucarella emphasize continuity with arguments historically offered by the institution: never has there been a full renewal of all three trustees at once, and it has always been deemed appropriate for one seat to remain available to ensure a smooth handover of the legacy and ongoing leadership.
Three out of four local organizations do not approve their budget within the statutory period
The challenge of Cucarella’s continuity is tied to a decision recommended by Compromís. The pact between Valencians and PSPV dictated that the governing parties would select the most important post, while Miró and Mira-Perceval were chosen by the Socialists and the PP respectively. If Cucarella does not continue as Síndic Major, Botànic would need a rule change in the agreement between the two majority partners. Either Compromís permits the PSPV to designate the new Síndic Major, or the Socialists concede their mandate and Valencians impose two candidates for the new mission of the institution. Neither party appears ready to concede, allowing the current temporary state to endure.
In parallel, the PP conducts strategic calculations while not actively pushing for an immediate replenishment of the position. Citizens seem inclined to wait and see how the legislature unfolds, anticipating next year’s regional elections to tilt outcomes in their favor. This could enable them to influence the appointment of a new Síndic Major, and there is even a possibility that another trustee might be introduced by a right-wing party.
Renewal of the roles requires broad consensus: three-fifths of the Valencia Cortes, meaning sixty deputies must approve the measure in an extraordinary general assembly.
Inspection in the second year of Covid: 42 reports
During the second year of the coronavirus pandemic, the Sindicatura de Comptes de la Comunitat Valenciana released a total of 42 reports. Of these, 27 audited the Generalitat Valenciana, five focused on public universities, and the remainder covered municipal authorities. The economic crisis driven by the health emergency hit the accounts across administrations. In November, the program expanded to include a report on Generalitat’s debt, following a parliamentary commission’s request to investigate the Valencian Community’s public debt.
Regionally, five volumes were issued, with 17 special reports addressing the Generalitat’s 2020 overall account among other studies. In contracting, attention centered on pandemic-related purchases and subsidies tied to the economic fallout from the health crisis. Audits also covered the accounts of the courts, the judicial infrastructure plan, the Valencia Financial Institute’s credit activity, the Generalitat’s digital transformation plan, and the Health Ministry’s management.
Locally, reports examined internal controls of municipal councils serving 20,000 to 25,000 residents, the general account of local units, and audits of the Valencia Federation of Municipalities and Provinces and local public sector contracts. Additional focus areas included cybersecurity, street lighting and municipal borrowing.
[Citation: Sindicatura de Comptes de la Comunitat Valenciana]