A major scandal has erupted in Alicante, one that could change how residents view the local government and the housing allocation system. For the first time in two decades, the city launched a new affordable housing program, but instead of addressing the needs of those requiring homes, luxury apartments ended up in the hands of officials and their relatives. This incident sparked public outrage and raised questions about the transparency of the municipality’s operations.
At the center of attention is a residential complex in the prestigious La Condomina district. Spacious apartments with three to four bedrooms, garages, storage rooms, a swimming pool, sports courts, and even a private fitness center were built here—all for prices half the market rate. However, the sales information for these apartments was never published, and the allocation process took place without any oversight from the authorities.
A hidden scheme
Instead of an open competition as required by law, the developer unilaterally decided who would become the new apartment owners. Among the lucky recipients were the city’s future head of urban planning, a high-ranking municipal director, and a municipal architect. Some collected multiple apartments for family members.
According to the opposition, city authorities deliberately refused to create a committee to oversee housing allocation. As a result, the list of recipients remained classified, and the public only learned about the scandal after information leaked to the press. Under public pressure, the mayor promised an internal investigation and said the materials would be handed over to the prosecutor’s office.
Unanswered questions
Particular outrage was sparked by the fact that apartments in the elite district were inaccessible to most city residents. Meanwhile, thousands of families are waiting in line for housing, and young people are being forced to leave Alicante due to the inability to rent or buy an apartment. Despite this, the developer received hundreds of applications but offered housing only to a select few.
The requirements for obtaining an apartment were minimal: legal age, using the property as a primary residence, and a family income not exceeding 54,000 euros per year. However, the developer alone decided who deserved the keys to the new apartments. The regional authorities also failed to verify whether the recipients met these criteria.
Demands for accountability
The opposition is demanding explanations from the mayor and the regional government, as well as the publication of the full list of recipients. Particular attention is focused on the role of municipal leaders, who, according to the opposition, may have used their positions for personal gain. The issue of transparency and fairness in housing distribution has become a topic of discussion at all levels of government.
At the same time, opposition representatives are insisting on an emergency city council meeting so the mayor can personally address residents. An appeal is also being prepared to anti-corruption authorities and the anti-fraud agency to determine why transparency requirements were ignored.
Public reaction
Residents are expressing dissatisfaction and demanding immediate action. With thousands of families waiting for their turn at housing while municipal plots continue to be allocated for new projects, the scandal over luxury apartments has become a symbol of distrust in the authorities. The question of who else might have received housing through this closed scheme remains unanswered.
While authorities promise to get to the bottom of the situation, public discontent is only growing. The spotlight is not only on specific names but also on the entire system that allowed such a scheme to happen. Further investigations and possibly new revelations are expected soon.
