Valencia’s Deputy Mayor Juanma Badenas has been suspended from the Vox party and removed from his position following alleged irregularities in contract awards. Mayor María José Catalá confirmed his expulsion, attributing it to a disciplinary investigation initiated by the party’s committee regarding Badenas’ involvement in a public contract valued at one hundred twenty-nine thousand euros linked to the firm Imedes. This company is notably connected to the spouse of the Government’s delegate in the Valencia region.

The suspension entails that Badenas will not engage in party activities nor serve as a spokesperson until the inquiry concludes. Further allegations surfaced last week, with reports indicating that he might have misallocated public funds and engaged in influencing political adversaries, provoking a potential criminal investigation by the public prosecutor.

Badenas ascended to his role in the Valencia council in two thousand twenty-three, becoming prominent during the municipal electoral campaign, where he promised to alter the city’s bicycle lane policies. His political journey saw him transition from the Popular Party to Vox, as he sought a more critical stance against the previous administration.

As a result of Badenas’ suspension, Julia Climent Monzó has stepped in as the new Deputy Mayor. This recent decision highlights ongoing tensions in Valencia’s political landscape, amidst scrutiny from rival parties seeking accountability and transparency in local government actions.