The scandal surrounding the head of the Canary Islands Housing Institute (ICAVI) has become one of the most talked-about topics in Spain. Regional authorities have officially confirmed that Antonio Ortega has stepped down after the court began proceedings over alleged violations of sexual freedom. This decision could change public attitudes toward ethics and accountability among officials, as well as influence perceptions of government institutions in the Canaries.
Charges and details of the investigation
According to El Pais, judicial authorities stated that the decision to hold Ortega accountable is not yet final—the defense has already filed an appeal. The judge set bail at 125,000 euros to ensure possible compensation to the victim if guilt is proven. The investigation began in 2022 following a report by a young woman, who was 24 at the time of the alleged incident. She claims the events took place in 2017 at Ortega’s home, when he was serving as the mayor of Vega de San Mateo on Gran Canaria.
The victim’s statement says she went to her neighbor Ortega’s house and, following the woman’s suggestion, went up to the mayor’s apartment to ask for help with pain in her arm. According to her, after a massage, Ortega began to make sexual advances despite her clear resistance. The woman tried to leave, but allegedly the official prevented her until his underage son entered the room. Only then was she able to leave. The case files also mention another incident that took place a week later at the complainant’s workplace.
Political context and consequences
Antonio Ortega was elected mayor of Vega de San Mateo in 2011 and held the position until 2023, when his party, Asamblea de Vecinos de San Mateo (Avesan), merged with the Coalición Canaria. After losing the election, he was invited to join the Canary Islands government, where he took a management role in ICAVI at the invitation of counselor Pablo Rodríguez. Now, with a criminal case initiated, his career in public office is at risk.
The scandal sparked a wave of debate in society and among politicians. Many experts point out that such incidents undermine trust in the authorities and call for more transparent selection procedures and oversight of officials. Recalling recent events, it is worth noting that similar accusations against public officials have already prompted emergency decisions. For example, in Móstoles, the authorities had to convene an extraordinary meeting due to harassment allegations against the mayor, which was covered in detail in the article on the impact of the scandal on the political climate.
Public reaction and new challenges
The public response to the situation has been strong. On social networks and in the media, people are actively discussing issues of personal responsibility among officials and the need for stricter control over their conduct. Many residents of the Canary Islands are demanding not only transparency in the investigation but also a review of how state appointments are made. The regional authorities, for their part, emphasize that they will act strictly within the law and will not allow any pressure on the investigation.
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in cases involving accusations of sexual offenses among officials and public figures. In just the past two years, several high-profile trials have resulted in resignations and a reassessment of staffing policies across various regions of the country. Public opinion is becoming increasingly intolerant of such incidents, while demands for transparency and accountability from officials are growing ever more stringent.
