Carmen Gómez Candel on Trial for Alleged Contracting Irregularities in Torrevieja

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, former Torrevieja councilor for contracting, Carmen Gómez Candel (PP), is set to appear in court alongside the director of the Mediterranean VIII Employment Workshop. The trial, taking place at the Audiencia de Alicante (located in Elche), is centered on allegations of irregularities in the procurement of materials for the construction of the La Siesta park.

Background of the Case

The alleged misconduct dates back to 2015, during the tenure of the current mayor, Eduardo Dolón (2011-2015). According to information from the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de la Comunidad Valenciana, the prosecution claims that Gómez Candel and the director made unilateral decisions regarding which companies would handle the contractual services. The prosecution alleges that they deliberately divided the costs into multiple invoices to bypass legal procurement protocols.

Key Allegations:

• Unilateral Decision-Making: The accused allegedly chose contractors without following established protocols.
• Fraudulent Procurement Practices: They are accused of splitting costs across various invoices to manipulate the bidding process.

Legal Consequences

The prosecution is pursuing a serious penalty of eleven years of disqualification from public office for each of the accused under the charges of “prevaricación” (misfeasance). This significant indictment highlights the seriousness of the accusations and their potential impact on Gómez Candel’s career.

Political Context

This scandal arose after the lawsuit was initiated by the Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja, following a leadership change to a coalition government led by former mayor José Manuel Dolón (Los Verdes). In 2019, Eduardo Dolón reclaimed the mayoralty, and Carmen Gómez was reinstated as the councilor for contracting, urban sanitation, parks and gardens, and personnel. However, due to the ongoing legal proceedings, she resigned from her position in December 2022, a move that was reportedly preempted by the verdict of opening an oral trial against her.

Completion of La Siesta Park

Despite the legal troubles, the La Siesta park was ultimately completed and inaugurated in October 2023. The construction contract was awarded to the company Urdecon for €4.2 million, following a separate bidding process aiming to adhere to public procurement regulations.

Conclusion

The upcoming trial of Carmen Gómez Candel serves as a reminder of the critical importance of transparency and adherence to public procurement laws within local governments. As the proceedings unfold, they will not only determine the fate of those involved but also reflect the ongoing scrutiny of public officials’ conduct in Torrevieja.

For more detailed information, you can read the full article on La Verdad.