On Sunday, the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, expressed her strong support for the Mayor of Móstoles, Manuel Bautista, amidst serious accusations of sexual and labor harassment by a former municipal councillor and party colleague. Ayuso criticized the handling of the case by the Madrid branch of the Popular Party and emphasized that her party would not be involved in what she perceives as an attempt to tarnish Bautista's reputation without due process. She stated, "Don't count on us to wreck a person's life and then later ask for forgiveness depending on the court's ruling."

Ayuso's statements come in light of revelations by EL PAÍS detailing a cover-up by senior members of the Popular Party, including remarks from Alfonso Serrano, who is Ayuso’s second-in-command. The situation has been perceived by Ayuso as an orchestrated narrative aimed at diverting public attention from ongoing political issues, particularly involving Francisco Salazar, who is set to testify in the Senate. Ayuso's defiance signals her commitment to protecting party members against allegations that she believes are politically motivated.

This incident raises significant concerns about the dynamics within the Popular Party and the implications of political strategies used to manage public perception, especially in cases involving serious allegations. As Ayuso rallies support for Bautista, the unfolding events could underline deeper fractures within the party and impact its public image ahead of future elections. How this case proceeds in the judicial system may further shape the trajectory of both Bautista and the Popular Party in Madrid as they navigate these serious allegations.