A sudden change in the composition of Spain’s Congress of Deputies has drawn attention not only from politicians but also from the wider public. The reason is the unusual background of the new parliamentarian, which may impact voters’ perceptions and spark fresh debates about government transparency. For residents of Valencia and the whole country, this is more than just another rotation: we’re talking about someone whose past has already been subject to legal proceedings.
The former Minister of Transport, who until recently represented the interests of the province of Valencia, has officially resigned. His departure follows the conclusion of legal proceedings on an appeal, which allowed him to submit his resignation from parliament. This move came as a surprise to many, given his status and role within the party, as well as the fact that he topped the list in the most recent elections.
A new figure
Ana María González, currently the mayor of the small municipality of Llaurí in the province of Valencia, is now considered for the vacant seat in parliament. While the city’s population barely exceeds one thousand, her name is already well known far beyond the region. The reason is an incident in 2021, when González was detained for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The court proceedings concluded with a guilty plea and the imposition of a €960 fine, along with a temporary suspension of driving privileges for eight months. Initially, the prosecution had sought a harsher penalty, but the sentence was reduced after the admission of responsibility. This outcome did not go unnoticed by political opponents or the public, who are now questioning the appropriateness of such appointments.
Reaction and consequences
Within the party, the decision to transfer the mandate was explained as a straightforward adherence to the electoral list: González held the seventh position, so following the departure of the top candidate, she was next in line. However, this formal approach has not shielded the situation from criticism. On social media and among experts, there are growing concerns that such cases may undermine trust in public institutions and spark fresh demands for transparency in candidate selection.
According to sources close to her, González does not intend to relinquish her position as mayor of Llaüri, planning to combine it with her work in parliament. This move raises additional questions about her ability to fulfill her duties effectively at two such different levels of government. Nevertheless, party representatives insist that this practice is in line with current legislation and will not hinder her performance.
Context and discussion
The scandal surrounding Gonzalez’s appointment raises a broader question about the criteria for selecting politicians in Spain. In recent years, the public has increasingly demanded not just professionalism, but also an impeccable reputation from their representatives. The case with the mayor of Llàuri could become a starting point for new debates on the need to tighten requirements for candidates for public office.
For now, attention is focused on how the situation will unfold in the coming weeks. Gonzalez is expected to officially take a seat in Congress in the very near future. It is possible that this move will spark new debates and prompt a review of how candidate lists are formed for elections. In any case, the story of the unexpected replacement of a deputy has already become one of the most talked-about topics in Spanish politics.
