The Official State Gazette published the 21st State Law on the Protection of Persons Complaining of Corruption last Tuesday. Spain has recently aligned with this European standard to promote transparency and sound practices within the administration. In the Valencian Community, seven years have passed since its adoption, and political parties now agree that its implementation brings clear benefits, especially for the Botànic forces.
The most recent data available comes from the third quarter of 2022. It shows that mailbox complaints have become the preferred way to submit documents. By September, they accounted for 88 percent of reports, a figure that matches the trend of the previous three years. Of the 195 credibility reports on file, 25 percent entered the research stage, indicating that a quarter of cases meet the agency’s criteria. Thirty-four percent were not accepted and the remaining 41 percent were archived.
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At the end of March 2022, it was highlighted that the number of complaints to the Agency has remained steady since its establishment in 2017. Municipal administrations and other key entities accounted for the largest share of reports. The public sector carried the highest volume, with an average of 67.13 percent of the total complaints for that year. In second place, the management of Generalitat Valenciana held about 15.32 percent.
paradigm shift
All political groups except Vox view the Agency as a useful tool. The debates focus on the structural changes needed within public bodies. Pilar Lima, a trustee of Unides Podem, emphasizes that the main driver is education and awareness. She notes that corruption and fraud have become a structural problem affecting social and economic performance, reputation, and democracy in the Community of Valencia. The agency is seen as a mechanism to prevent and root out corrupt practices that have persisted over the years. Lima also points out that complaints from officials and citizens reveal bad practices in Public Administration and contribute to shifting bipartisan dynamics.
Mercedes Caballero of the socialist group underlines Botànic as a major achievement amid concerns about general political corruption observed during the two decades of the People’s Party governance in the Valencian Community. She stresses the importance of ongoing attention to good practices in budgetary balances.
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Carlos Esteve, deputy ombudsman for Compromís, agrees that a robust tool is needed to move beyond a phase of complacency and complacent attitudes. He also calls for greater citizen awareness and confidence in the agency, noting that further development will strengthen public trust.
Opposition
Opposition parliamentary groups tie their assessments to current political events. Fernando Pastor, a Popular district deputy, says the tools used to combat fraud should be measured consistently and fairly. He also points to the cost of the current headquarters and questions the plan to relocate it within a government building.
Mothers Peris of Cs criticizes the governing Consell parties for not fully incorporating the agency’s recommendations. She recalls past cases where issues of corruption remained central in Valencian politics and calls for the authorities to allow the agency to operate independently without interference.
Joan Llinares comments that the Valencian Parliament was seven years ahead of the new State Law on the Protection of Complainants, highlighting the importance of proactive oversight. Public sentiment and official statements reflect a desire for continued transparency and accountability.
Vox presents a different view. A representative argues that complaints can be directed to the prosecutor and criticizes the agency’s structure, suggesting that payroll costs represent a major portion of the budget and that many roles are filled by appointment, which may hinder transparency.
Finally, parliamentarians call for action at the municipal level. They note that the Consell approved a cooperation agreement involving the agency, the Ministry of Accession, and local councils in Alicante and Castellón. The aim is to conduct a diagnostic study of public honesty levels in local organizations with the University of Valencia.