Asturias government rejects Oviedo property for migrant minor shelter

The Government of Asturias has decided to abandon plans to use a property on Paseo de La Florida in Oviedo as a shelter for eight migrant minors. The decision was announced by Nerea Monroy, the new Counselor for Social Rights and Welfare, as her first official act in the role.

The administration cited technical and legal reasons for discarding the site, though the move follows weeks of intense local tension. The neighborhood had seen opposing demonstrations, including protests against the relocation and counter-protests by anti-fascist groups.

Investigations into the property revealed significant legal complications, including six liens and debts to the Social Security and the Principality of Asturias. Additionally, a mortgage foreclosure process had been initiated by Caja Rural due to unpaid loans. Legal experts suggested these financial encumbrances made the property unsuitable for housing vulnerable minors. Further scrutiny also highlighted potential conflicts of interest regarding the property's ownership and links to a director within the department responsible for child welfare.