A scandal has erupted in Castellón that could change residents’ attitudes toward municipal transparency. The core issue is equality before the law: while ordinary citizens face harsh consequences for unpaid fines, authorities may operate under different conditions. The situation involving the former head of transport and parking has sparked discussion both in the city and beyond.
Reasons for resignation
Cristian Ramírez, who served as mobility councilor, announced his resignation after the provincial court ordered a renewed investigation into 134 unpaid parking fines in the zona azul. According to El Pais, these were sanctions issued to a vehicle used by Ramírez from January 2023 to January 2024. Of the 167 fines imposed over the year, only 33 were paid on time, while the remainder were not.
These 134 fines became the subject of a new investigation. Judges identified possible signs of abuse of power or other violations, since most of the penalties were canceled after the statute of limitations expired. The court’s ruling notes anomalies in the municipal service’s fine collection procedures, especially in cases related to this official.
Political and public reaction
After news broke about the reopening of the case, opposition parties increased pressure on Ramirez and city hall. Representatives of the socialists and Compromís demanded the immediate resignation of the official or his dismissal by Mayor Begoña Carrasco. Ultimately, Ramirez resigned on his own, stating his decision was necessary to protect his mental health and to put an end, in his words, to the ‘harassment campaign’ from his opponents.
In his statement, Ramirez emphasized that he was stepping down voluntarily and for good, aiming to halt the pressure that, in his view, had persisted for more than two years. He admitted to the mistake for which he had already apologized, and noted that the situation had become unbearable due to constant scrutiny and suspicions regarding his integrity. The mayor, in turn, thanked the former councilor for his work without commenting on the details of the investigation.
Investigation details
In January 2024, during a city council meeting, Ramirez acknowledged having received multiple fines, but did not specify the exact amount or number of penalties paid. He compared his infraction to forgetting to pass a vehicle inspection or not having a light on a bicycle, denying that he had used his official position to evade responsibility.
However, as El Pais notes, the case file includes a police report that highlights an unusual fact: all but 33 of the fines were not paid, and collection was not enforced due to the statute of limitations. According to the opposition, such a situation would be impossible for ordinary citizens, who in similar cases would face salary garnishment or other enforcement measures. This has sparked a wave of outrage and questions about equality before the law.
Consequences and new appointments
The reaction to Ramírez’s departure was swift. Socialist representatives stated that the resignation was overdue and should have happened a year ago, calling the official’s exit an attempt to play the victim. Compromís believes that the decision is driven not by ethics but by political interests, and that the ruling party kept Ramírez in office until the situation became critical.
City Hall has already announced that the vacant seat will go to the next candidate on the list — Gonzalo Romero — who is expected to take office at the next city council meeting. Questions about transparency and fairness regarding fines remain relevant for many city residents.
Context and similar cases
Scandals involving traffic violations and disregard for parking regulations among officials are not uncommon in Spain. In Valencia, a recent dispute erupted between the city hall and the political force Compromís over street billboards, sparking a debate on government accountability and transparency. More details on how such conflicts influence public opinion can be found in the article on fines related to the street campaign against transportation in Valencia.
In recent years, several regions across the country have recorded cases where public officials found themselves in the spotlight for incidents related to transportation or parking violations. Such stories often ignite public debates about fairness and the need to reform enforcement of administrative penalties. Issues of trust in municipal authorities and equality before the law remain among the most pressing for Spanish society.
