At the regular plenary session of the Nerja Council, the mayor, José Alberto Armijo (PP), responded to a question posed by José Miguel García, spokesperson for the Partido Popular, as to the whereabouts of the money given to the Council in respect of a grant towards the cost of the new health centre, money which the Health Department of the Junta de Andalucía now wants returned.
So no sign of any stage management there then! The mayor responded to the question by saying that, despite opposition accusations that the Council had spent the money or were refusing to return it, the amount of €1,082,089.75 had now been deposited into the bank account of the Junta de Andalucía.
The original grant (according to the Council) or loan (according to the Junta de Andalucía) was €1,200,000, being 50% of the anticipated cost of the new health centre. The Junta, however, who considered the money a ‘loan’, were demanding the return of the €1.2 million plus accrued interest.
On this point, the mayor stated that amount now returned to the Junta de Andalucía is based on the €1.2 million less expenses already incurred on the project. These expenses amounted to €235,820.50, and had been split equally between the two authorities. As to the demand for interest to be paid on the grant/loan, the mayor stated that this matter has now been placed before the Administrative Court for a ruling.
The Opposition PSOE, however, were not present at this stage of the meeting to hear the explanation. Not for the first time, the childhood diversions exited the perambulator and the Opposition members left the meeting in protest at, once again, not being permitted to pose questions during ‘question time’.
The PSOE contend that the Rules of Operation and Management of Local Authorities reflect a legal right for any member of the Corporation to ask questions of the Government body.