Joan Mascarell resigns as deputy mayor of Oliva

Joan Mascarell, a councillor for Projecte Oliva and first deputy mayor, has resigned from his position in the Oliva municipal government. His resignation, cited as being for ‘personal and professional reasons’, is expected to be formalized during an extraordinary plenary session this week.

His departure follows months of political pressure and criticism regarding his management. Tensions escalated after Mayor Yolanda Pastor stripped him of the Activities delegation, which was reassigned to Rosa Pous of UCIN, a government partner. UCIN had previously demanded this change to avoid supporting an opposition motion for an investigation into Mascarell’s management.

Key controversies included his ties to the UD Oliva club and a public health issue involving the detection of legionella in the irrigation system at the El Morer football field. While Mascarell defended his actions, he admitted it was an error not to have informed the municipal corporation about the bacteria sooner. Additionally, the opposition raised questions regarding potential incompatibilities between his municipal role and his relationship with UD Oliva.