A scandal has erupted in Alicante, touching not only the local authorities but also the entire system of state-supported housing distribution. At the center of attention is the first affordable housing program in two decades, where among the recipients were found relatives and acquaintances of high-ranking officials. This incident has sparked public outrage and cast doubt on the transparency of municipal institutions.
In the evening, life in the Les Naus residential complexβthe symbol of this controversyβcontinued as usual: people exercised, children played, residents bustled at the entrances. Yet behind the new buildingβs facade lies a conflict that has already led to resignations at city hall and prompted a judicial investigation. According to El Pais, the new homeowners include not only municipal employees but also their relatives and business figures, raising doubts about the fairness of the selection process.
System under suspicion
It all began after articles appeared in the local press, revealing that among the lucky recipients were officials from the urban planning department, architects, as well as the children and relatives of municipal managers. The apartments were sold at prices well below the market rate, which particularly angered residents, given that similar properties in the district cost almost twice as much.
According to current regulations, only families with incomes below a certain threshold were eligible for these apartments. However, an audit revealed that some recipients had incomes close to the maximum allowed, and entire family clans were among the beneficiaries. This raised suspicions that information about the program was primarily circulated among insiders.
Unlike standard procedures, there was no public lottery this timeβdistribution was handled by the private cooperative Fraorgi, while the administration only verified the documents. This approach avoided publicity and allowed for influence over the participant list.
Investigation and resignations
Judicial authorities have already launched an investigation into possible corruption, abuse of power, and other violations. The list of suspects includes former and current officials, architects, and even regional government employees who, according to investigators, may have helped their relatives obtain apartments.
As a result of the high-profile revelations, the head of urban planning RocΓo GΓ³mez, contract department chief MarΓa PΓ©rez-Hickman, and municipal architect Francisco Nieto stepped down from their positions. It was discovered that some of them had secured housing not only for themselves but also for family members. One official responsible for granting licenses was temporarily suspended after it was revealed that his wife also received an apartment.
Among the new residents were other individuals linked to the city administration: relatives of the financial department’s secretary, former candidates for honorary roles at city festivals, as well as business representatives, including bar owners and entrepreneurs from various sectors.
Public and Political Response
Public outrage shows no signs of fading: local residents complain about unfairness, and insulting graffiti has appeared on the new building’s walls. Police have already started visiting apartments to check documents and determine whether residents meet the designated criteria. Some new owners insist they passed all checks, but admit they now have to justify themselves to their neighbors.
Political parties are demanding further investigations and greater transparency. The opposition points out that thousands of families are waiting for housing while apartments go to those with connections in the administration. Even representatives of the Vox party have called for the resignation of mayor Luis Barcala, who has yet to comment on the substance of the case.
The scandal in Alicante brings to mind other high-profile cases where officials were found to be abusing their positions. For instance, recently in the Canary Islands there was a high-profile resignation of the ICAVI head after a criminal case was opened, which also provoked a heated public reaction and cast doubt on trust in government institutions.
Context and Consequences
Experts note that such housing distribution schemes undermine trust in government programs and heighten social tension. According to specialists, raising the income threshold for participation in these programs only entrenches privileges for certain segments of society, instead of addressing the issue of housing affordability for the majority.
In recent years, Spain has faced rising property prices and a shortage of affordable apartments, especially in large cities and along the coast. Scandals related to housing allocation are becoming more frequent and are sparking widespread public outcry. Authorities are compelled to respond to demands for transparency and fairness, but real changes are taking place slowly.
The surge of interest in corruption investigations in the real estate sector is being observed not only in Alicante but also in other regions of the country. In 2025, cases were also recorded in Madrid and Barcelona where officials and their relatives received subsidized housing out of turn. These stories indicate that the problem is systemic and requires comprehensive solutions at the legislative and oversight levels.
