Crisis in Móstoles: Mayor Manuel Bautista Rejects Accusations of Harassment and Stalking

Manuel Bautista, serving as mayor in Móstoles, has found himself at the center of a political scandal after a former councilor from his party filed a lawsuit against him. The accusations concern serious violations, including sexual harassment and persistent stalking, alleged to be of a professional and personal nature. Bautista called a press conference where he stated he had not committed any illegal acts and intends to remain in his position. He compared his situation to a media lynching, which drew sharp criticism from journalists and commentators. The Spanish penal code has been toughened in recent years regarding crimes against sexual freedom, especially after the introduction of the law known as the "Only Yes Means Yes" law, which redefines the concept of consent and increases penalties for workplace harassment. The situation in Móstoles has sparked a wave of public outrage. Demonstrations have taken place in front of the city hall building, with chants calling for the mayor's immediate resignation. The People's Party (PP) is taking a cautious stance on the matter. Alfonso Serrano, the secretary general of the Madrid branch of the PP, stated that the party has not yet seen the content of the alleged lawsuit, which prevents them from taking disciplinary steps. Meanwhile, the left-wing opposition accuses the ruling party of applying double standards and a "funnel law," meaning leniency towards its own members while attacking opponents for lesser offenses. 2026-02-24 — date of mass protests at the Móstoles town hall An additional dimension to the case is the alleged cover-up of the scandal by the central administration. PP politicians suggest that Minister Óscar López ignored earlier reports concerning the improper conduct of state officials in this region. Meanwhile, women's rights defenders point to the inaction of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid, who allegedly did not respond to requests for support in the investigation of serious sexual incidents at the town hall. This case is becoming a key test for the ethical standards of the Madrid right-wing. „Rechazo de manera categórica las acusaciones de acoso sexual y laboral, no he incurrido en conducta que pueda encajar en ese tipo delictivo.” (I categorically reject the accusations of sexual and workplace harassment; I have not engaged in any conduct that could fit that type of crime.) — Manuel Bautista „Nadie ha visto la denuncia, nadie la ha leído. En Madrid existe la presunción de inocencia.” (No one has seen the complaint, no one has read it. In Madrid, the presumption of innocence exists.) — Alfonso Serrano

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize the seriousness of the harassment allegations and criticize the inaction of regional authorities, accusing the PP of protecting perpetrators. Conservative media focus on the principle of the presumption of innocence and suggest the accusations against the mayor are politically motivated.