A new scandal is unfolding in Catalonia surrounding the activities of the CCMA corporation, which unites the region’s largest media outlets. Nine top executives, including the entire current management board, have been summoned to court. They must explain how, over a period of six years, salaries were paid within the organization far exceeding legal limits.
The investigation began after a report by the Court of Auditors uncovered serious irregularities in the payroll system. The situation drew public attention when a civil society group insisted on opening a criminal case. Court hearings are scheduled for next spring, and those involved will have to answer questions about possible embezzlement of public funds.
The period under close scrutiny covers 2015 to 2021. Investigators believe it was during these years that the former CCMA management approved payments that exceeded set limits. Although the current leadership only took office in 2022, it is now their responsibility to prove they were not involved in these controversial decisions.
The corporation itself emphasizes that all identified violations were solely due to the actions of the previous management team. According to them, after the leadership changed, measures were taken to resolve all payment system anomalies. Nevertheless, the court decided to summon the current top managers for questioning to determine whether sufficient steps have been taken to address the situation and whether such practices may still be ongoing.
The role of the Court of Auditors and next steps
The Court of Auditors, which conducted the audit, documented violations but did not find direct evidence of a crime or financial liability. However, this was enough for the case to reach court. A public organization, dissatisfied with the auditors’ findings, insisted on a criminal investigation, and the judge accepted their arguments.
The situation surrounding CCMA has become a topic of discussion in the professional community and raised questions about the transparency of public media operations. In the coming months, attention to this case is expected to grow, as its outcome will affect not only the corporation’s reputation but also trust in the oversight of budget spending in Catalonia.
