A scandal involving one of the key figures in the Madrid branch of the People’s Party (PP) once again raises questions about transparency and standards in Spain’s political life. The case of Ana Millán, the third-ranked official in Madrid PP and a close associate of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, could impact public trust in the party and spark renewed debate over political accountability. At the center are allegations of abuse of office and possible corruption schemes linked to municipal contracts and Millán’s personal income.
In March 2024, Ana Millán, despite being under investigation, received in her office a counselor from Móstoles who had reported harassment by the city’s mayor. This episode became just one link in a chain of events accompanying Millán’s political career. Her appointments to senior positions in the party and the Madrid Assembly occurred while the investigation was already underway, which raised concerns even among her own party members.
Within the regional PP, debates persist over whether it is appropriate to support an ally under investigation. Anonymous sources note that ethical standards in the party have noticeably declined, and examples from Ayuso’s own circle—from cases involving relatives to high-profile scandals over public contracts—only intensify the controversy. Other high-profile cases come to mind as well, such as the Avalmadrid affair or the investigation into the purchase of medical masks.
Career and accusations
Ana Millán’s political career has been marked by several key moments. In the spring of 2022, despite being under investigation, she became the third-ranking official in Madrid’s PP, a deputy, vice president of the Assembly, and head of the party’s temporary structure in Fuenlabrada. By May 2023, under her leadership, the party achieved a convincing victory in the municipal and regional elections. However, in the spring of 2024, Millán found herself back in the spotlight—this time over a meeting with a councilor from Móstoles, who claimed to have faced pressure from the mayor.
In October 2024, the presiding judge concluded that there were substantial grounds to suspect four alleged crimes and referred the case to Madrid’s High Court, as Millán enjoys parliamentary immunity. After the case was returned to the Navalcarnero court for further investigation, the Madrid PP leadership and Isabel Ayuso publicly expressed support for Millán, despite mounting criticism within the party.
Reflecting on recent events, it is worth noting that we have previously covered the court proceedings against an alleged accomplice of Ayuso’s partner in a case involving fraud with European funds. At the time, public attention focused on details of the fake invoices scheme and large-scale suspicions of corruption. You can read more about that case in our report at this link.
Internal Party Conflicts
Inside the PP, fierce debates continue over how to respond to the crisis. Some party members believe that defending Milian undermines trust in the party and sets a dangerous precedent. Others, on the contrary, are convinced that the pressure on her is part of political infighting, and are calling for unity. In any case, the situation surrounding Milian has become a litmus test for evaluating the real standards of political ethics in Spanish politics.
Milian’s personality draws mixed reactions: she is described as hardworking but tough, sometimes even despotic. She has long been seen as a party operative, always ready to defend PP’s interests even in the toughest situations. Her close ties with Ayuso only increase attention to the case and raise additional questions about the role of personal relationships in staffing decisions.
The essence of the investigation
In the near future, the court will continue proceedings in Milian’s case. Her partner’s testimony is already scheduled for June 3. Investigators are examining whether seven municipal contracts concluded between 2006 and 2011 with companies affiliated with businessman Francisco Roselló are connected to money transfers he made in favor of Milian as rent payments for her accommodation during her tenure in the municipality.
In addition, investigators took interest in the cash deposits made to Milian’s accounts, the origins of which remain unclear. According to the court, her sister and partner also received payments from companies linked to Rosselló. Milian herself claims all payments were solely related to property rentals, and that the entrepreneur was simply subletting the accommodation.
Context and consequences
Scandals involving suspected corruption among Spanish politicians have become common in recent years. High-profile trials come to mind, involving representatives of various parties, where investigations often began with questionable contracts or transfers and ended in major court proceedings. In some cases, the accused held on to their positions until the very end, despite public and media pressure. Such cases inevitably spark heated debates about the need for greater oversight and transparency within government institutions. Attention to these matters remains strong, as their outcome affects not only the reputations of individual politicians but also overall trust in state institutions.
