- Carmen Gómez, former deputy mayor and councilor of Urban Cleaning in Torrevieja, is on trial for alleged prevarication related to an irregular cleaning plan.
- Gómez claimed a 2019 summer cleaning service contract awarded to Acciona for €256,000 should have been free, sparking contradictions in court.
- The prosecution demands 12 years of disqualification from public office,citing lack of legal procedures including contract and budget.
- Acciona executives insist they repeatedly requested payment without success; the defense argues the plan was necessary amid notable service failures.
- The trial revealed conflicting testimonies and controversies involving public announcements and missing documents.
- The case adds to a series of corruption allegations that have rocked Torrevieja’s local government over the past years.
Former Torrevieja Deputy Mayor Faces Trial Over Controversial Cleaning Contract Award
Meta Title: Carmen Gómez Trial: Torrevieja Ex-Official Accused of Irregular Cleaning Contract Award
Meta Description: Carmen Gómez, former Torrevieja councilor, stands trial accused of prevarication for awarding Acciona a cleaning contract without proper procedures. Prosecutors seek 12 years disqualification.
Introduction
The coastal town of Torrevieja is once again under scrutiny as former deputy mayor and councilor of Urban Cleaning, Carmen Gómez, faces trial accused of prevarication. The case revolves around a €256,000 ”shock cleaning plan” awarded without a formal contract to the multinational company Acciona in July-August 2019. The controversy highlights regional governance challenges and the delicate balance between urgent public services and strict legal compliance.
Background of the Case
During the 2019 summer months, Torrevieja experienced significant cleanliness issues, particularly in residential urbanizations at the height of tourist season. To address this, the local government initiated a “plan de choque” or emergency cleaning plan, which Carmen Gómez directly commissioned to Acciona, bypassing public tender regulations.
Key Points and Conflicting Testimonies
- Carmen Gómez’s Defense: Gómez insisted in court that the cleaning plan was meant to be provided free of charge,citing previous similar services handled under ordinary contracts where costs for additional emergency cleaning were not billed separately. She also denied receiving crucial written warnings regarding contractual procedures.
- Prosecution’s Argument: The public prosecutor insists Gómez’s actions broke the law by ordering the service without official budget approval, necessary reports, or a valid contract. They argue that she ignored verbal and written warnings from municipal supervisors that the contract required a public bidding process.
- Acciona’s Position: Executives testified that they repeatedly requested payment, which went unanswered. they explained that payments would be reconciled with previous contracts but admitted that no formal resolution or legal claim has been finalized even years later.
Public Declaration and Clarity Concerns
A notable point highlighted during the trial was a joint press conference between Gómez and then-mayor Eduardo Dolón, where the cost and lack of a formal contract for the cleaning initiative were openly discussed. Prosecutors argue this moment inadvertently exposed the irregularities to the public.
Legal Ramifications and Sentencing Request
The Anti-Corruption prosecutor demands that Carmen Gómez be disqualified from holding public office for 12 years. This harsh penalty underscores the severity of the alleged administrative misconduct and its negative impact on public trust.
Defense Highlights Broader Administrative Context
The defense attorney emphasized that othre irregularities in cleaning and waste collection services occurred in previous years and under different administrations, framing these issues as administrative rather than criminal. They also noted Acciona’s decision not to pursue the matter through contentious-administrative channels as support for the absence of an extraordinary service.
Summary Table: Key players and Perspectives
| Stakeholder | Role | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Carmen Gómez | former Deputy Mayor and Councilor of Urban Cleaning | Claims cleaning plan should be free; denies wrongdoing |
| Acciona Executives | Multinational cleaning company | States unpaid invoices requested multiple times |
| Public Prosecutor | Anti-Corruption Office | Demands 12-year disqualification for prevarication |
| eduardo Dolón | Mayor of Torrevieja | Present at press briefings; exempted from direct responsibility |
| Defense Attorney (josé Pedro González) | Legal Representative of Carmen Gómez | Frames issue as administrative irregularity, not crime |
What’s Next?
The trial has now been completed with the court taking the matter under deliberation, leaving Torrevieja residents awaiting the verdict. This case is one of multiple pending corruption-related investigations in the municipality that have challenged the management of urban services and local government accountability.
Why Does This Matter?
Clear governance and adherence to procurement laws are critical, especially for essential services like waste collection and urban cleaning. The case brings to light the tension between urgent public needs during peak seasons and the imperative for legal and financial controls in public governance.
Takeaway for Other Municipalities
- Ensure contracts for essential services comply strictly with public procurement laws.
- Keep transparent records and documentation to avoid disputes.
- Balance emergency response with legal and budgetary oversight.
- Public officials must maintain accountability to safeguard community trust.