The Agencia Valenciana Antifraude has closed its investigation into the temporary hiring of Juanfran Pérez Llorca’s partner by the Diputación de Valencia. The agency found no credible evidence to support allegations of irregularities in the recruitment process for the secretary of direction position, filled through a temporary commission of services. The case drew attention because of the personal connection and the role’s annual salary of €52,070.
The resolution, first reported by Las Provincias and reviewed by Europa Press, said the complaint lacked reasonable grounds for veracity. The agency left open the possibility of reopening the case if new evidence emerges. Its investigation noted that, although the position was justified by “urgent need,” the timeline raised doubts: the post was created on July 23, 2025, but the call for temporary coverage was not made public until January 27, 2026, almost six months later. The agency said this delay was difficult to reconcile with the claimed urgency, particularly because no specific justification was documented.
Antifraude confirmed that the requirement for a public call was met: the vacancy was advertised on the Diputación de Valencia’s website on January 28, 2026. The agency also reviewed the selection protocol, which relies on a suitability report from the direct supervisor instead of a formal scoring system. Antifraude said this approach violates no legal provisions and is consistent with Supreme Court doctrine distinguishing merit-based competitions from provisional appointments through a commission of services.
Antifraude found that all necessary requirements were verified during its review of the candidates. A report dated February 13, 2026, deemed Pérez Llorca’s partner the most experienced of the five applicants, particularly in administrative C1 roles and secretarial functions. One candidate was excluded for not meeting the C1 civil servant criteria. The agency also noted that a decree on March 5, 2026, offered the position for permanent filling. Pérez Llorca’s partner did not take part in that definitive selection process, which remains unresolved.
The agency also clarified that the commission of services was granted just two months after Pérez Llorca took office, but said the timing alone does not indicate irregularity or procedural illegality. The coincidence raises questions about the actual reason for the urgency. The agency concluded, but, that the issue is now moot because the person did not seek the permanent post. The case was so closed due to loss of object, in accordance with Article 84.2 of Law 39/2015 on administrative procedures. Antifraude said it would pursue no further investigation unless new, credible evidence is presented.
Juanfran Pérez Llorca had previously called for patience and respect for the agency’s findings, stressing the importance of allowing investigations to conclude before drawing conclusions. The case reflects ongoing scrutiny of public-sector hiring practices in Spain, particularly when personal connections are involved. Similar tensions over government appointments have surfaced elsewhere, including recent disagreements within the Spanish cabinet over the Ceuta crisis, as reported in coverage of ministerial conflicts regarding migration policy.
The Agencia Valenciana Antifraude is tasked with ensuring transparency and legality in public administration across the Valencian Community. Its decisions can influence public trust in regional institutions, particularly when high-profile figures are involved. The case’s closure may ease immediate political pressure, while the procedural doubts identified could prompt future calls to reform how urgent public-sector appointments are justified and managed.
