Félix Alonso Cantorné Under Investigation: A Deep Dive
Background of the Case
On June 15, 2023, Félix Alonso Cantorné, a deputy from the Sumar coalition, was summoned to appear before the Supreme Court. He is under investigation for alleged prevarication related to contract awards made during his tenure as mayor of Altafulla in Tarragona from 2011 to 2019. According to reports, the case emerged following a detailed statement from a court in El Vendrell.
The Investigation’s Focus
The central issue being scrutinized involves contracts awarded to the law firms Milá Advocats SLP and Sinergia Dret i Medi Ambient SLP. The investigation aims to determine whether Cantorné improperly maintained relationships with these companies, bypassing necessary regulations. Specifically, it is examining:
- Minor Contracts: The investigation is focused on the use of minor contracts that allegedly avoided standard advertising requirements. This practice could have enabled direct awards, potentially leading to an arbitrary selection of successful bidders.
- Lack of Procedure: Further examination will consider instances where Cantorné may not have followed any procedural guidelines in awarding contracts.
Responses from Comuns-Sumar and Cantorné
In response to the allegations, sources from Comuns emphasized their confidence in Cantorné’s presumption of innocence. They contended that the investigation arose from a complaint filed by an organization deemed to have “no known activity.”
Félix Alonso Cantorné himself has publicly defended his actions, asserting that all contracts were managed in good faith, adhering to what he believed were proper procedures. He maintained that these contracts were created to meet “real and effective needs” of the city, with no indicators of personal gains or enrichment involved.
Urban Pressure in Altafulla
Cantorné attributed some of the complexities during his mayoral term to the “strong urban pressure” faced by Altafulla between 2011 and 2019. He pointed out that the city council lacked a staff lawyer during this period, leading to the necessity of hiring external legal consulting services to navigate the challenges.
Allegations Against the Judge
During the investigation, Cantorné raised concerns regarding the impartiality of Magistrate Vicente Magro, arguing that he was a former senator from the People’s Party (PP). However, the Supreme Court rejected this challenge, citing that Cantorné filed it after the designated deadline for such claims.
Upcoming Proceedings and Witness Testimonies
Following Cantorné’s examination, the Supreme Court will hear testimonies from twelve witnesses, including notable figures such as:
- Joan Ignasi Elena, a former councilor and current regional deputy of the ERC.
- Joan Herrera, the former coordinator of the Initiative for Catalunya Verds (ICV).
- Salvador Milá, a former Catalan deputy and Minister of the Environment.
- Various members of the Mossos d’Esquadra and staff from the Anti-Fraud Office of Catalonia.
Conclusion
The unfolding case against Félix Alonso Cantorné raises important questions about governance and contract management within local administrations. As the investigation progresses, public scrutiny will remain high, highlighting the significance of transparency and adherence to regulations in public service. The outcome may not only impact Cantorné’s political career but could also set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.