In Andalusia, the political scene has again been thrust into the spotlight by high-profile court cases. Attention is focused on investigations into the allocation of government contracts in Almería and Córdoba. These proceedings have become a major headache for the Partido Popular (PP), as the party prepares for the upcoming elections. Questions about transparency and fairness in the use of public funds are once again on the agenda, with former officials and business leaders under intense public scrutiny.
In Almería, the court has widened the circle of suspects in the case of alleged contract manipulation within the local administration. Investigators believe there was a well-established scheme that allowed certain companies to secure lucrative contracts. At the center of events is former provincial chief Javier Aureliano García and his closest associates. They are suspected of setting up a system in which decisions were made by a select group, with the distribution of funds accompanied by informal agreements and possible kickbacks.
Investigation details
Court documents indicate that messaging apps were used to discuss the details of deals and possible commissions for medical supply contracts. Investigators are paying special attention to the use of cash by the suspects, according to the case files. International trips, which may have involved negotiating contract terms, are also under scrutiny. Companies mentioned in the investigation include Pulconal, owned by Kilian López, and OYC, linked to the former mayor of Fines. Authorities believe the scheme extended far beyond pandemic-related procurements and even involved minor construction projects like cemetery and playground renovations.
Last October, several entrepreneurs and former officials were detained. Investigators continue to review messages and financial records to assess the depth of corruption in the municipal contracting system. Regional authorities are attempting to distance themselves from the scandal by highlighting staff reshuffles and leadership changes, but public distrust continues to grow.
Healthcare corruption scandal
At the same time, another investigation is unfolding in Cordoba, linked to procurement for the regional healthcare system (Servicio Andaluz de Salud, SAS). Here, a judge has launched a preliminary inquiry into suspected irregularities in awarding contracts for medical supplies. The case was triggered by an opposition complaint, which claims some contracts were awarded in violation of procedures and that several may have been artificially split to bypass tender requirements.
The spotlight is on current SAS director Valle García, who has already testified in a separate case related to emergency purchases during the pandemic. Now, the court is scrutinizing around a hundred contracts signed in 2020–2021, when supply chain challenges were especially acute. Investigators are examining whether there was abuse of office, document forgery, or fraud in the allocation of funds.
Political fallout
Andalusian authorities insist their actions were lawful and claim the majority of contracts have already been deemed compliant by the courts. However, the opposition is not backing down, banking on the idea that scandals in healthcare could have a major impact on the upcoming elections. Tensions are rising within the Partido Popular: leadership changes in Almería and attempts at staff renewal have not been enough to fully address suspicions about the old guard’s links to corruption schemes.
At the same time, government representatives accuse their opponents of political manipulation and of trying to use court cases to discredit the current administration. They emphasize that most of the disputed contracts were signed out of urgent necessity, when the region was in dire need of medical supplies and equipment. Nonetheless, public opinion is increasingly leaning toward the idea that the public procurement system needs a thorough overhaul.
Public response
People in Andalucía are anxiously following the developments. Scandals over the allocation of public funds and suspicions of corruption spark irritation and distrust toward the political elite. Many believe these cases are just the tip of the iceberg, and that the true scale of the problem is much broader. Public calls for transparency and accountability in spending public money are growing louder both on social media and in the streets.
While legal proceedings continue and political battles intensify, one thing is clear: trust in government institutions is under threat. Whether new faces and reforms can change the situation remains an open question. But it is already clear that the upcoming elections in Andalucía will center on demands for honesty and transparency.
