The mayor of Estepona, Jose Garcia Urbano, has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly giving a council position to a woman he was romantically involved with, who reportedly did not perform any work. The case, which will be heard at the provincial court in Malaga, was approved by a judge in Estepona, although a hearing date has yet to be established.
Prosecutors claim that Urbano appointed Cristina Pulido as a ‘political appointee’ in February 2023, with her role ostensibly involving the inspection of streetlights and plant pots throughout the town. However, investigators allege that Urbano was aware she would not fulfill her job responsibilities, while she received €5,276 in public funds over 46 days.
Although the public prosecutor is seeking a prison sentence of one year and 11 months for Urbano, along with a ban from holding public office for nearly six years, his sentence is likely to be suspended. This is a reduction from an earlier demand of over five years in prison, as Urbano has since repaid Pulido’s salary and associated social security costs.
In contrast, Pulido may face a more severe penalty, with prosecutors asking for four and a half years in prison for her part in the incident. Notably, on the day she signed her contract, she expressed gratitude to Urbano via text. Shortly after, she underwent cosmetic surgery, sharing messages with Urbano about her procedure.
Furthermore, it has come to light that Urbano had previously provided her with €2,000 monthly for rent, amounting to around €21,000 before her official employment. Pulido described the mayor’s management of the town hall as akin to running a personal estate, stating that she was never properly informed of her job duties.
The opposition party, PSOE, is mounting pressure on the ruling Partido Popular (PP) to suspend Urbano, citing the party’s own regulations regarding members facing corruption trials. The PSOE’s Malaga provincial leader emphasized that Urbano’s continued position tarnishes Estepona’s reputation, while others speculate on why he has not yet been compelled to resign.
Urbano has expressed his confidence in the judicial process and is eager for the trial to commence without delay. He is also facing scrutiny in a separate investigation tied to the award of a restaurant concession to his daughter-in-law’s company.
