Investigation Launched Against Valencia Mayor and Port Officials for Alleged Misconduct

The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office is currently investigating Valencia's Mayor, María José Catalá, alongside two councilors from the municipal government and the President of the Port of Valencia, Mar Chao. The investigation also involves four public employees from the port entity, all facing allegations of misconduct and abuse of influence. This news was reported on Tuesday by Cadena SER, revealing that the prosecutors have opened a probe into potential collusion between the City Council and the Port Authority for the arbitrary appointment of public staff. The focus of the investigation appears to be centered on selection processes that occurred concurrently within the Valencia City Council's municipal foundations and the Port Authority. Key events in this case relate to the spring of 2024 when the Valencia 2007 Consortium, which involved the central government, Generalitat Valenciana, and the City of Valencia, was in the process of liquidation. Notably, the consortium was chaired by Mayor Catalá herself. The allegations come amid claims of nepotism, predominantly reported by former employees of the consortium. According to the details gathered, the implicated Port officials—Esther Pérez, Manuela Gras, Alicia Gimeno, and Enrique Móner—have been mentioned in these allegations. The complaints leading to the probe were initiated by the political party Compromís, stemming from a group of ex-employees of the recently liquidated consortium who filed a notarized document. This document purportedly asserts that positions within the port authority were to be occupied by Gras and Gimeno, with these appointments occurring months later after the initial claims were submitted. Accompanying the complaint is a report from the General Intervention of the State Administration, which raises concerns over potential violations of the principles of equality, merit, and ability in the selection processes tied to the Port Authority. As the investigation unfolds, the implications for local governance and public trust in elected officials hang in the balance. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2