Another scandal has erupted in Móstoles, potentially changing residents’ attitudes towards the local government. After a former councilor accused the mayor of harassment and filed an official complaint, her trusted aide responsible for digitalization and new technologies unexpectedly resigned. This decision sent a strong signal throughout the administration and sparked discussions among staff and citizens.
The employee’s reasons for leaving are directly related to her personal principles and her desire to maintain integrity at work. In a letter to colleagues, she emphasized that she could not stay in her position while events were unfolding around her that conflicted with her views. She noted that the decision was not easy, but she considers it the only right one under the circumstances. Such a step is rare among officials, especially for positions built on trust and supporting the leadership.
Internal conflict
The employee joined the city hall together with the former councilor after the 2023 elections, when the new mayor came to power. After the ex-councilor left, accusing the mayor of harassment and pressure, her trusted aide continued to work but ultimately decided to resign. In her letter, she explained that her appointment was based on personal trust in her former superior, and now, with the situation changed, she no longer saw a way to continue in her role.
In her address to colleagues, she emphasized that she is leaving to uphold her principles and so as not to hinder the work of other employees. She also noted that she does not want to affect the team’s atmosphere and prefers to step aside rather than create further difficulties for the group. This action earned respect from some staff members, but also raised questions about how the digitalization department will operate going forward.
Consequences for the administration
The departure of a key employee could affect city hall operations, especially since the digitalization department plays an important role in the city’s development. In recent years, this sector has been responsible for introducing new technologies and improving services for residents. Now that the head has resigned, it remains unclear who will take on these responsibilities and how quickly stable operations can be restored.
The scandal over accusations against the mayor and subsequent resignations have already caused tension within the administration. Some employees fear that the situation may drag on and impact the implementation of important projects. At the same time, part of the team believes such changes are necessary to clear the air and restore trust in the authorities.
Legal action
The former advisor who was the first to speak out about harassment and pressure from the mayor has already taken the case to court. Her lawyer has filed a detailed complaint listing not only accusations of harassment, but also other possible violations, including coercion, threats, and the disclosure of personal information. The complaint names both the mayor himself and the party he represents.
The legal proceedings are only just beginning, but it is already clear that the consequences could be serious for everyone involved. If the accusations are confirmed, personnel changes and even new resignations are possible. The administration is discussing how to proceed to prevent similar situations from happening again and to maintain the effective functioning of government bodies.
In recent years, Spain has seen several high-profile scandals involving accusations of workplace harassment and pressure. In various cities, employees have left their positions to avoid being involved in conflicts or becoming victims themselves. Such incidents have often led to revised personnel policies and stricter oversight of managers’ conduct. As a result, several municipalities have introduced new rules to protect workers and improve transparency in the administration’s operations.
