Guanyem Badalona has lodged a formal complaint with the Catalan Anti-Fraud Office regarding possible misuse of city resources for a political rally. The event, featuring Alberto Núñez Feijóo, raises concerns about public funds being used for party promotion.
Guanyem Badalona has taken significant steps to address allegations of improper use of municipal resources in connection with an upcoming political rally in Badalona. The event, scheduled for Sunday, September 20, will feature Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the president of the Popular Party (PP), alongside local mayor Xavier García Albiol. Guanyem claims that public funds may have been allocated to promote this party event, which is part of the PP’s political campaign kickoff in Catalonia.
The controversy centers around the Fiesta de las Migas, set to take place at Parc del Centenari de Sistrells. Guanyem has formally submitted a complaint to the Catalan Anti-Fraud Office, seeking clarity on whether city resources were utilized for organizing or promoting this gathering. They are also considering escalating their concerns to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office.
In their complaint, Guanyem has requested access to all documentation related to the fiesta, including any decrees and reports that justify its organization. They are particularly interested in understanding how much was spent on security and cleaning services and what human and material resources were deployed.
The spokesperson for Guanyem and former mayor Dolors Sabater expressed strong disapproval regarding the alleged use of public assets for partisan purposes. She stated, “Xavier García Albiol believes he can treat Badalona as his private estate by using public resources to fund Feijóo’s rally.” Sabater emphasized that if it is confirmed that any public funds or personnel were involved in facilitating this event, those costs should be borne by the Popular Party.
Meanwhile, another opposition group, Badalona En Comú, is also investigating claims that free invitations for attending the fiesta were distributed through municipal intranets. Aïda Llauradó, leader of Badalona En Comú, highlighted concerns about who authorized these communications and which municipal channels were exploited.
Llauradó remarked on the gravity of these allegations: “This crosses a red line that no political party should breach. The city hall belongs to all residents of Badalona—not just the Popular Party.” She confirmed that her group would provide all gathered information to Antifrau so they can assess whether there was any misuse of municipal structures or resources.
The focus from both opposition parties is not merely on holding a political event but rather on ensuring that public channels are not misappropriated for electoral gain. They demand transparency from the municipal government regarding how intranet systems and other official communication tools have been utilized in relation to this event.
Critics argue that such actions reflect a broader strategy by Albiol’s administration aimed at distracting citizens from pressing local issues amid economic challenges facing Badalona. Sabater linked these tactics directly to ongoing management problems within city services.
The situation now awaits further investigation by Antifrau as both Guanyem and Badalona En Comú prepare documentation supporting their claims. The outcome will determine if there was indeed any violation concerning public resource usage related to this politically charged gathering.
Residents concerned about potential misuse of their city’s resources can follow developments closely through local news outlets or contact their representatives for updates on how these allegations unfold.
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