🏛️🔍 Alicante's public housing scandal exposes corruption and favoritism

Oneliner

Alicante's Les Naus public housing scandal has revealed serious allegations of corruption, with 140 units allegedly allocated to public officials and their relatives amid a housing crisis. Key figures, including Urban Planning councillor Rocío Gómez, have resigned as investigations are launched into potential conflicts of interest. The political fallout has led to calls for Mayor Luis Barcala's resignation from both opposition parties and former allies, highlighting the urgent need for reform in public housing allocation processes.

Key points

• 140 publicly protected housing units in Alicante allocated to officials and relatives amid a housing crisis.
• Resignations of key officials, including Urban Planning councillor Rocío Gómez, following allegations of corruption.
• Investigations launched by the prosecutor's office and local government into potential conflicts of interest.
• Political fallout includes calls for Mayor Luis Barcala's resignation from both opposition and former allies.

Links

• El País: El 'pelotazo' de las viviendas protegidas de Alicante: favores, dimisiones, pagos en negro y falta de control
• ABC: La crisis del reparto de viviendas VPP a cargos públicos en Alicante: la codicia por el ladrillo

Facts

• 140 publicly protected housing units allocated in Alicante's Les Naus development.
• Resignations include Urban Planning councillor Rocío Gómez and municipal director general María Pérez-Hickman.
• Over 5,000 applicants competed for the housing units, which were marketed with luxury amenities.
• Investigations initiated by the prosecutor's office and local government into potential corruption.

Quotes

• This scandal repulses and outrages me — Luis Barcala
• The allocation process reflects a greed for property at a time when housing should be a basic right — Local report

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