Verbal accusations of influence peddling

A new political crisis has arisen for the quadripartite government (IU, PSA, PIU and PP) with the Councillor for Town Planning, José Luis Pérez Moreno (IU), accusing the Councillor for Social Welfare and Civil Protection, Manuel Martín (PP), of ‘influence peddling’ in relation to an urbanisation project.

A proposal to dismiss a number of objections to an urbanisation plan could not be passed as, in addition to the 6 opposition PSOE members voting against the motion, PP member Manuel Martín also voted against and the two PIU members were absent.

The verbal accusations of influence peddling apparently relate to a meeting held minutes before the Council session between Manuel Martín and the owner of the land affected by the development plan. This owner is also said to be one of those who objected to the development plan.

The Mayor, Toñi Claros (IU), is expected to meet with the members of her government team later today to try and clarify and resolve the situation and does not expect this latest squabble to cause lasting problems for the alliance.