The PP’s Rights and Guarantees Committee has decided to expel Alfonso Grau, the former deputy mayor of Valencia, from the party after he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for embezzlement and bribery in a corruption case known as the Taula case. Grau, who was the right-hand man of former mayor Rita Barberá, was found guilty of these crimes in relation to the 2007 election campaign and was also fined five million euros. The PP had already suspended Grau’s membership in 2016 when it became known that he was involved in judicial proceedings. The party opened an informative file against him, which was converted into a disciplinary file when he went on trial. Now, with the sentencing, the party has decided to expel him in accordance with its statutes and regulations. Grau has the option to appeal this decision to the National Committee for Rights and Guarantees.
The Second Section of the Court considers Grau, who served as the number two to Rita Barberá during her time as mayor of Valencia, guilty of embezzlement and passive bribery in connection to the financing of the 2007 municipal election campaign of the PP. The Court also noted the undue delays in the legal proceedings as mitigating factors for both crimes. Grau, who is 83 years old, has been ordered to pay a compensation of 388,150 euros to the Valencia City Council. This is not the first time Grau has faced legal consequences for his actions, as he was previously sentenced in 2019 to four years in prison for accepting luxury watches worth 25,000 euros from a businessman who had been awarded municipal contracts.
The expulsion of Grau from the PP highlights the party’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and unethical behavior among its members. The decision to expel him comes after a long legal process that has finally concluded with a conviction. This action sends a message that the party is committed to upholding the rule of law and holding its members accountable for any criminal activities they may be involved in. The PP’s internal disciplinary procedures have been followed in this case, which shows that the party is taking the issue of corruption seriously and is willing to take decisive action to address it.
Grau’s expulsion from the PP may have political implications, especially in Valencia where he has been a prominent figure in local politics for many years. His involvement in corruption scandals has tarnished not only his own reputation but also that of the party he belonged to. The sentencing of Grau and his subsequent expulsion from the PP may affect the party’s image and credibility in the eyes of the public. The PP may face challenges in rebuilding trust with voters and demonstrating that it is committed to transparency and integrity in its ranks.
The legal consequences faced by Alfonso Grau serve as a cautionary tale for other politicians and public officials who may be tempted to engage in corrupt practices. The judicial system has worked to hold Grau accountable for his actions, demonstrating that no one is above the law. The sentencing and expulsion of Grau also serve as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and accountability in public service. The PP’s decision to expel him reinforces the message that corruption will not be tolerated within the party and that those who engage in illegal activities will be held responsible.
