Estepona’s long-serving mayor Jose Maria Garcia Urbano is heading to court in June over allegations that risk the career of one of the region’s most promising politicians.
The Partido Popular heavyweight, known for his slick PR and picture-perfect promenade projects, will stand trial for allegedly misusing public funds in what prosecutors say was the ‘irregular hiring’ of a personal acquaintance.
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According to court documents, Urbano is said to have arranged the short-term hiring of a woman with whom he allegedly had a close personal relationship, placing her on the town hall payroll as an ‘advisor.’
The woman, reportedly lacking any formal duties, was paid more than €5,000 over a six-week period in early 2023.
Several witnesses – both inside and outside town hall – told investigators that the mysterious ‘advisor’ never actually showed up for work. In short: it’s claimed she was paid to do nothing.
Prosecutors argue this amounts to embezzlement of public funds, and the court has agreed there’s enough to go to trial.
A judge has now officially set a date for proceedings to begin on June 4, 2025.
Where did all this come from?
The embezzlement probe stemmed from an entirely different complaint, after a local police officer accused the mayor of sexual harassment and coercion.
While those charges were ultimately dropped due to lack of evidence, the court continued a parallel probe into the alleged misuse of funds.
Political pressure mounting
Spain’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has already pounced on the news, calling for Urbano to resign not only as mayor but also from his national role as vice president of the FEMP (Federation of Municipalities and Provinces).
‘This is about ethics and trust,’ blasted local PSOE leaders, who accuse the mayor of damaging public institutions.
Urbano has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations a politically driven smear campaign.
His legal team is already planning to appeal to try and stop the trial before it begins.
Why does it matter?
Urbano is somewhat of a rising star in Andalucian politics, often credited with turning Estepona into a real-estate boomtown and tourist magnet.
If found guilty, the consequences could be serious, including possible disqualification from public office.
As June looms, all eyes will be on the courtroom to see if Estepona’s golden mayor can weather the storm.
