A major political crisis has erupted in Almería, affecting key figures in the local branch of the Partido Popular (PP). After years of quietly ignoring alarming signs, the Andalusian leadership was forced to step in and take decisive action against its own party members. The trigger was a series of high-profile investigations into corruption related to medical supply purchases at the height of the pandemic.
Arrests and Suspensions: A New Reality for Almería’s PP
Over the past four years, suspicions of corrupt schemes involving the awarding of public contracts have been mounting in the province of Almería. The situation escalated following the arrest of a former vice president of the local Diputación, who is suspected of taking large bribes for medical mask deliveries worth around two million euros. This event marked the beginning of a large-scale investigation that led to the arrest of the sitting president of the provincial council, the leader of Almería’s PP, and his closest associates.
Although the detainees were soon released, they are facing serious charges, including bribery, embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, and abuse of power. In response, the regional party leadership decided to temporarily suspend the suspects from party activities—an unprecedented move for the local political scene.
Years of impunity and the old guard’s influence
For more than two decades, the PP of Almería was considered an almost invincible political force. The party’s stability and success were closely tied to Gabriel Amat, who had led the municipality of Roquetas de Mar since 1995 and for many years headed the provincial Diputación. His influence permeated all key decisions, and under his leadership, the party won one election after another.
However, behind the facade of stability, numerous legal proceedings loomed involving members of the leadership. Although all cases against Amat were dismissed, a new wave of investigations has once again raised doubts about the management methods and contract distribution in the region. The second phase of the so-called ‘mask case’ concerned events dating back to 2016, when Amat was president of the Diputación.
Succession and change: how the party is responding to challenges
After Amat stepped down as leader of the PP of Almería, Javier Aureliano García took over, inheriting not only power but also a complex political landscape. Despite continued electoral success, the party has been thrust into the spotlight by corruption scandals. Internal rifts have deepened, and the leadership has been forced to search for new ways to govern and respond to crises.
Amid pressure from the public and the opposition, regional leaders decided to temporarily suspend the suspects in order to maintain voter trust and minimize reputational damage. This move signaled the party’s willingness to change and to tighten control over its representatives.
The Future of PP Almería: Caught Between Tradition and the Need for Renewal
The scandal over the purchase of medical masks is just the tip of the iceberg for PP Almería. Internal conflicts, legal battles, and mounting public pressure are forcing the party to reconsider its management and personnel policies. Whether the organization will succeed in regaining trust and retaining its position on the political stage remains to be seen.
While some believe that continuity and backing veteran leaders will ensure stability, others insist on the need for deep reforms and leadership renewal. In any case, the events of recent years have shown that even the most powerful political structures are not immune to crises and must adapt under pressure.
