Spain's Tax Agency Appointment Controversy Escalates

The Popular Party group in Valencia has denounced the recent replacement of the special delegate of the Spanish Tax Agency in the Valencian Community, calling it a "major scandal." The previous deputy, Juan José Ronda Garay, was dismissed and replaced by Jaime Sanz Espert, prompting the regional syndicate leader Nando Pastor to demand explanations from the national government, including Minister Arcadi Espada and the secretary‑general of the PSOE, Diana Morant.

Separately, former head of the Tax Agency, Soledad Fernández, testified before the Senate on the SEPI case and highlighted irregularities involving Julio Martínez, a close associate of former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. Martínez allegedly failed to file income‑tax returns for four years despite receiving a regular salary, raising questions about the Agency's oversight. The Popular Party has pledged to continue investigating the appointments and the fiscal anomalies linked to Zapatero’s circle.