The Partido Popular (PP) and Vox in Orihuela have chosen to remain silent as controversy grows over the upcoming trial of Mayor Pepe Vegara. Scheduled for January 22 and 24, Vegara faces charges of tax fraud and forgery related to his business activities in 2005. The case has sparked criticism from opposition parties and discomfort within some sectors of the local PP.
The opposition, led by PSPV-PSOE, has demanded Vegara’s resignation, arguing it is “unacceptable” for him to manage mayoral duties while facing court proceedings. Meanwhile, the regional PP has opened a disciplinary file against Vegara, in line with the party’s statutes requiring such action once oral proceedings are confirmed for any public officeholder.
INTERNAL DISCONTENT AND POLITICAL FALLOUT
Dissatisfaction within the Orihuela PP is palpable. Some members criticise the local leadership’s handling of the situation, fearing it will damage Orihuela’s standing in favour of other municipalities, such as Torrevieja.
Many believe the regional party leadership and Generalitat President Carlos Mazón are distancing themselves from Vegara to avoid negative publicity, a move they say could hinder local projects and investments.
Despite the trial’s implications, Mazón has previously visited Orihuela and supported initiatives like declaring Sierra Escalona a Natural Park. However, his absence in light of the trial is seen by some as indicative of a broader political strategy to minimize his association with Vegara.
CHARGES AGAINST VEGARA
The case centres on alleged fraudulent activity involving the Vehicle Technical Inspection Station (ITV Vega Baja SA), where Vegara served as CEO in 2005. Prosecutors claim Vegara and four other defendants orchestrated a scheme to defraud the Spanish Treasury of €917,935 by submitting false invoices for advertising agendas to create deductible expenses.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a seven-year prison sentence for Vegara and other defendants on charges of forgery and tax fraud. According to the indictment, the fraudulent deductions included €760,539 in corporate tax and €157,396 in VAT.
DEFENSIVE STANCE
Vegara has consistently denied the charges and rejected a plea deal offered in March 2023, which would have avoided trial but required admitting guilt. Instead, he has opted to face trial, maintaining his innocence and emphasising his confidence in the judicial process. Vegara has stated he remains “calm” and reiterated his belief in his exoneration.
VOX AND CIUDADANOS REACTIONS
Vox, a coalition partner in Orihuela’s government, has remained silent despite mounting pressure from Ciudadanos. José Aix, spokesperson for Ciudadanos, questioned Vox’s support for Vegara, particularly in view of his continued role as finance councillor.
FUTURE IMPLICATIONS
The trial has cast a shadow over Orihuela’s political climate, with potential repercussions for the governing coalition. While Vegara’s defence recently sought to delay the trial due to his lawyer’s health issues, the judge denied the request, citing sufficient time to appoint alternative counsel.
As the trial looms, the silence from PP and Vox raises questions about their strategy and the future of Vegara’s leadership in Orihuela.
