The Supreme Court of Spain has delivered a partial correction to a previous ruling concerning a corruption case involving the illegal awarding of tourist licenses in Ciutat Vella. The Court upheld the conviction originally delivered by the Barcelona Court in 2022, which sentenced 17 individuals, including municipal officials, to prison terms ranging from six years to three and a half years. This case highlighted serious misconduct in the handling of urban regulations by local authorities focused on tourism licenses.

The Barcelona Court's ruling identified a corruption scheme where licenses for tourist apartments were granted in violation of the municipality's regulations, in exchange for bribes. The Supreme Court's recent decision confirms the majority of these convictions while making a minor adjustment concerning one of the key figures in the case, Elena Ariza, who worked in the Licensing Department. While her sentence for accepting bribes was overturned, she still faces two years in prison for urban planning misconduct, reflecting the court's attention to unethical practices within the local government.

The implications of this ruling are significant for local governance in Spain, as it underscores the ongoing issues related to corruption in urban planning and municipal management. It reinforces the necessity for stricter compliance with regulations and transparency within city administrations, especially in tourist-heavy regions like Ciutat Vella, which is a popular destination in Barcelona. This case serves as a warning to officials about the severe consequences of engaging in corrupt practices amidst a growing demand for tourist accommodations.