In Madrid, a luxury penthouse in the Chamberí district became the focus of a political controversy after being purchased for €6.3 million by Planifica Madrid, a public company under the Community of Madrid. The Spanish Court of Audit launched an investigation following complaints from Más Madrid and private citizens, examining whether the expenditure lacks legal justification and constitutes an improper outflow of public funds.
On April 14, the public deed for the apartment acquisition was formalized. However, the official declaration outlining the need for this housing was not issued until July 2 — months after the purchase was finalized. This reversal of order is a key point of concern for the auditing body.
The Court of Audit's initial assessment suggests the expenditure may be completely lacking in legal justification. Councilor María del Rosario García Álvarez determined that evidence presented by public actors and complainants indicated a sufficient basis to believe the purchase could have caused real and effective damage to the Community of Madrid's public funds. The government of Isabel Díaz Ayuso defends the transaction, asserting it was fully legal and operated within the statutes and competencies of Planifica Madrid, maintaining the purchase caused no economic damage.
The Court highlighted that these characteristics appear objectively unsuitable for administrative or governmental activities.
The penthouse spans 485 square meters, including a 200-square-meter terrace. The Court highlighted that these characteristics appear objectively unsuitable for administrative or governmental activities.
The Community of Madrid and Planifica Madrid both requested the Court of Audit archive the case, a move rejected by the councilor. She instead ordered the appointment of a special prosecutor to delve deeper into the transaction. The Court's decision acknowledged the need to determine if there was accounting liability for the alleged misuse of public funds.
The investigation is ongoing. The appointed prosecutor will gather further evidence to determine if there was accounting liability for the alleged misuse of public funds. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for public trust in the Community of Madrid's governance, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.