Mayor Responds to Allegations in Extraordinary Plenary Session
Manuel Bautista, the Mayor of Móstoles, Spain, has categorically denied accusations of sexual and workplace harassment, announcing his intention to pursue legal action against those he alleges are disseminating false information. The mayor, a member of the Partido Popular (PP), made his statements during an extraordinary plenary session held on February 24, 2026, which was convened at the request of opposition parties.
During the session, Bautista asserted his innocence, emphasizing his right to the presumption of innocence and honor. He stated, 'My conscience is tranquil,' and affirmed that he has 'never confused authority with abuse, nor direction with harassment.' He also highlighted that, as of his statements, there was no open judicial case or formal complaint against him, only journalistic reports.
Allegations and Political Blame
The accusations stem from a complaint filed by a former PP councilwoman around February 17, 2026. The complaint alleges sexual and labor harassment, crimes against moral integrity, injuries, coercion, and revelation of secrets, and also implicates the Partido Popular as a party. Reports indicate that the former councilwoman experienced 'sexual comments, references to her physique and explicit propositions' since the 2023 electoral campaign, with rumors even being spread about a sexual relationship between them. Additionally, another alleged victim is a security guard who reportedly suffered workplace harassment.
Mayor Bautista has vehemently attributed the allegations to a politically motivated 'smear campaign' orchestrated by his rivals. He specifically accused the PSOE and President Pedro Sánchez of 'spreading hoaxes' and 'mounting a big lie' to 'undemocratically' seize control of the Móstoles City Council. He characterized these actions as a 'campaign of dehumanization' and political blackmail, asserting that the situation 'will not come cheap' for the President.
Legal Defense and Future Actions
Bautista reiterated his commitment to defending his 'integrity and honor' and that of his family 'with tooth and nail' in the courts and 'wherever pertinent.' He maintained that the plenary session was not the appropriate forum for judicial instruction or judgment, insisting that any responsibilities should be determined through legally established channels. The mayor also defended the legitimacy of his current local government, stating that the Partido Popular governs Móstoles because 'the citizens want it' and with the aim of 'cleaning it of the 'sanchista' corruption that was corroding this institution.'
3 Comments
Coccinella
While Mayor Bautista has a right to presumption of innocence, dismissing these serious harassment claims as purely political undermines potential victims. A thorough, independent investigation is crucial here.
ZmeeLove
He's absolutely right, this is clearly an attempt by the opposition to destabilize his government. Support Mayor Bautista!
Habibi
He defends his integrity and honor, which is his right. But simply stating his conscience is tranquil doesn't address the specific claims of 'sexual comments' and 'explicit propositions' that allegedly occurred over time.