🏛️ Alicante investigates public housing awards linked to officials

Oneliner

The Alicante City Council has launched an investigation into potential conflicts of interest in the allocation of Publicly Protected Housing (VPP) after internal reports revealed links between beneficiaries and municipal officials. A formal complaint was filed with the Provincial Prosecutor's Office, highlighting concerns about possible irregularities in the allocation process. While two internal reports concluded that implicated officials did not have decision-making power, unresolved questions remain regarding compliance with eligibility criteria. The investigation is ongoing, with significant implications for public trust in the housing allocation process.

Key points

• Alicante City Council filed a complaint with the Provincial Prosecutor regarding potential conflicts of interest in public housing allocations.
• Two internal reports found links between public officials and beneficiaries of Publicly Protected Housing (VPP), but concluded no disciplinary action was warranted.
• The investigation revealed concerns about possible irregularities in the allocation process, prompting further scrutiny.
• Resignations of implicated officials, including the former Urban Planning councillor, have been reported.

Links

• Público: El Ayuntamiento de Alacant detectó vínculos entre beneficiarios de las viviendas públicas y "empleados o cargos"
• ABC: Un informe interno del Ayuntamiento de Alicante detectó la adjudicación de VPP a cargos públicos y otro lo ve compatible

Facts

• The complaint was filed with the Provincial Prosecutor's Office on February 3, 2026.
• The investigation revealed links between VPP beneficiaries and municipal officials.
• Former Urban Planning councillor Rocío Gómez and former Procurement head María Pérez-Hickman have resigned amid the investigation.
• The Asset Management Service warned of potential conflicts of interest in the allocation process.

Quotes

• There may be irregularities in the requirements that some of the awardees should have met — City Council complaint
• No basis for any form of disciplinary responsibility was found — Internal report conclusion

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