The scandal in Móstoles could reshape Spanish attitudes toward workplace rights and political accountability. A former municipal official has filed a criminal complaint against the current mayor, Manuel Bautista, and the entire structure of the Partido Popular (PP), accusing them of sexual and workplace harassment, violation of moral integrity, coercion, and disclosure of personal data. The case has already sparked broad public outcry and cast doubt on the effectiveness of internal protections within political organizations.
The ex-official’s legal representative, attorney Antonio Suárez-Valdés, reported that the complaint was officially filed with the Móstoles criminal court. It highlights not only the personal responsibility of the mayor but also holds the party collectively accountable as a legal entity, as provided under articles 184.5 and 31 bis of Spain’s Penal Code. According to the lawyer, the lack of timely response and ineffective internal procedures forced the victim to go to court, although she initially tried to resolve the matter within the organization.
Allegations and evidence
The complaint alleges that the mayor repeatedly propositioned the former official for intimate relations, abusing his position of power. According to the claimant, after she refused, she became the target of persistent harassment: she was isolated, her professional opportunities were limited, and colleagues were discouraged from interacting with her. Facing this pressure, she was forced to resign from her position in 2024.
The lawyer stresses that the defense has a substantial amount of evidence, including electronic correspondence and other materials that, in their view, confirm both the attempted harassment and the subsequent pressure. Special attention is drawn to the fact that after the former official refused the mayor, the pressure became systematic, while the party leadership took no action to protect her.
Party accountability and public figures
The complaint is filed not only against the mayor but also against the Partido Popular as an organization. The document highlights that the party not only failed to protect its employee but also allowed a leak of personal data, which may constitute a breach of confidentiality. Among the witnesses the defense wants summoned to court are the president of the Community of Madrid Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the general secretary of the Madrid branch of the PP Alfonso Serrano, and the deputy secretary for organization Ana Millán. Their testimonies could shed light on how the party responded to internal warnings about the issue.
The complaint also mentions that part of the email correspondence between the former official and representatives of the Madrid autonomous community was leaked to the media. According to the lawyer, this violates the right to privacy and could be considered a separate criminal offense.
Investigation challenges
The case is complicated by the fact that many incidents occurred under circumstances where evidence is difficult to collect: some correspondence was deleted, and the events took place in private settings. The lawyer notes that the investigation requires a technically complex approach, as it involves recovering deleted data and analyzing the behavior of high-ranking officials.
Public attention to this case is further fueled by previous debates in Spain over political transparency and accountability. Recently, for example, a conflict erupted in Valencia between the city hall and the opposition party Compromís over allegations of censorship and governance violations, a topic covered in detail in the article about the dispute surrounding a street campaign and fines for posters. Such cases highlight how acute the issue of transparency and government accountability is in the country.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that in recent years Spain has seen an increase in cases where former or current officials file lawsuits over harassment and violations of labor rights. Such cases often attract public attention and require intervention from top political figures. In several instances, investigations have led to resignations, internal audits, and a review of employee protection protocols. Public interest in these matters reflects a growing demand for transparency and justice within government and party structures.
