City Troubles for Mayor Lara: Accumulating Fines Due to Benalmadena's Historical Debts
In a significant development, the Benalmadena Town Hall has been fined €444,850 for improper labor practices related to employment programs carried out in 2019 and 2020 [1]. The fine, a result of actions taken by the Employment Inspection, part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy, is a formal recognition and sanction of past misconduct by the town hall.
The case specifically concerns labor irregularities during the employment programs run by the municipality in those years, although details about the exact nature of the improper practices are not provided in the source. The affected programs were EMPLE@30+, EMPLE@45+, and Plan AIRE.
The town hall is required to pay the fine, which amounts to almost half a million euros of taxpayers' funds, as a result of its failure to make proper Social Security contributions. Additionally, the council also paid wages below the municipal collective agreement's standards, violating legal requirements [1].
The fine is a significant financial burden for the town hall, threatening its financial stability and potentially impacting other budgetary commitments. As of August 2025, the town hall has been ordered to pay this amount, reflecting official accountability measures taken in response to these labor violations [1].
Mayor Lara has yet to publicly address the situation. The current government has also remained silent, with no public comments or announcements concerning plans to pursue legal or administrative accountability for the 2019-2020 mismanagement [1].
The town hall is currently dealing with the urgent repair and replacement of vital water pipes, and the renewal of streets and squares in Benalmadena Pueblo, due to the neglect of previous administrations [1]. The contracts for these programs were formalized by decrees from then-Mayor Víctor Navas and the Employment Councillor, despite prior warnings from the local auditor about wage rights and Social Security contributions [1].
The Human Resources Department stated that the contracts should have adhered to the municipal agreement, mandating salaries above the minimum wage (SMI) [1]. This situation underscores the need for transparency and adherence to legal and ethical standards in public administration.
References: [1] Source for the article.
- The fine imposed on the Benalmadena Town Hall for improper labor practices is a stark reminder of the importance of policy-and-legislation in holding public officials accountable for their actions, particularly in the realm of general-news such as public employment programs.
- The ongoing silence from Mayor Lara and the current government regarding the labor violations at the Benalmadena Town Hall raises questions about their commitment to upholding politics that prioritize transparency and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
