High-profile resignation shakes Almería leadership
On Friday, the president of the Almería Deputation, Javier Aureliano García, announced his resignation and relinquishment of his seat on the city council. This came just a day after he was released on bail in connection with the second phase of the investigation into the procurement of face masks. García had held the post since January 2019 and has now decided to focus on defending himself in court.
Charges and restrictions for former officials
The court has released García but barred him from leaving the country and required him to check in regularly with judicial authorities. He is suspected of a number of serious crimes, including bribery, embezzlement, money laundering, influence peddling, and corruption in public procurement. Investigators allege that the case involves fraudulent contracts for masks and other supplies during the pandemic.
In its official statement, the Deputation emphasized that García’s departure was a voluntary step, driven by his wish not to impede the institution’s work and to prove his innocence. He also stepped down from all his positions to avoid interfering with the investigation or delaying the projects he started.
Implications for provincial authorities and new resignations
Along with García, the vice-president of the Diputación, Fernando Giménez, also stepped down; he was similarly detained and released under the same conditions. He has been stripped of his authority over key areas of provincial governance. Authorities in Almería note that both officials contributed to the region’s development, including efforts to curb population decline and to support tourism, culture, and the agri-food industry.
The investigation is ongoing, with around 17 people now implicated, including both former and current officials as well as business representatives. About ten searches have been carried out, and the number of arrests and suspects continues to grow. Particular attention is focused on the connections between the Diputación and companies that received large state contracts.
What’s next for the Almería Diputación?
Following the high-profile resignations, the process of selecting a new leader for the Diputación is now underway. An interim president is expected to be appointed in the coming days, followed by elections for a permanent head. Authorities emphasize that despite the scandal, the institution will continue to function and existing projects will move forward.
The mask procurement case remains partially classified. Among the suspects are not only former Diputación leaders, but also the mayor of one of the municipalities, his relative, and a public works department employee. Court hearings continue as the public closely follows developments.
