Feb 19 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

The Andalusian Junta backs the controversial contract with José Manuel Soto to promote El Rocío

The Andalusian government has defended its controversial contract with singer José Manuel Soto, despite warnings from the Advisory Council about its legality.

The Andalusian government has approved a contentious contract with singer José Manuel Soto, valued at 14,762 euros, for the promotion of El Rocío. The contract has faced scrutiny, as the Advisory Council of Andalusia indicated that there is sufficient cause to deem it null. However, the Council also noted that revoking the contract would not serve the general interest, allowing the government to justify its legality.

The contract was awarded without a competitive bidding process, raising concerns and allegations from opposition parties about potential favoritism and misuse of public funds. Despite these allegations, the government, led by the People's Party (PP), closed the investigation into the matter, stating that the controversies surrounding the contract are not substantial enough to warrant its cancellation.

This situation reflects broader issues surrounding governance and accountability in regional administrations in Spain. The backing of the contract by the Andalusian Junta not only underscores the tension between political parties but also raises questions about transparency and the decision-making processes in public expenditure, particularly in an era where public trust is crucial for effective governance.

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