Seville judge orders police probe into public funding and square closure for private Giralda gala

Judicial investigation into heritage site gala

Instruction Court 6 of the Seville Court of First Instance has launched preliminary criminal proceedings to determine whether administrative crimes occurred during a private gala held at the foot of the Giralda. Judge María Elena Pérez issued an order on 29 September instructing the National Police to examine municipal authorizations, administrative contracting, and the disbursement of public subsidies. The legal action originated from a complaint filed on 22 September by political party Iustitia Europa. Court authorities confirmed that the judicial ruling came one week after the complaint was lodged with the duty court. In her resolution, the magistrate stated that Iustitia Europa cannot yet appear as a popular prosecutor until it files a formal lawsuit accompanied by special power of attorney and deposits court bail.

Public funding and closure of Virgen de los Reyes square

The disputed celebration took place on the night of 17 September to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of Escaparate magazine and host its annual awards ceremony. The private function converted Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, a protected public square in the UNESCO World Heritage area beside Seville Cathedral, into an enclosed dining venue featuring portable kitchens and seated dinner service. Approximately 400 invited guests attended the private gathering, including Seville Mayor José Luis Sanz and Andalusian Regional President Juanma Moreno. Public administrations contributed a total of 36,058 euros in funding to the event. The Seville City Council, through municipal tourism company Contursa, and the Regional Government of Andalusia, through its public enterprise for tourism and sports management, each provided 14,900 euros plus value-added tax under sponsorship agreements with Sevilla por la Gracia de Dios, a company managed by magazine publisher Mario Niebla del Toro.

Allegations of prevarication and misuse of public funds

Iustitia Europa filed its criminal complaint alleging that the permits and financing could constitute administrative prevarication and embezzlement of public funds. The complaint named the Seville City Council, Contursa, and the regional Department of Tourism, demanding that investigators determine the individual criminal liability of involved public officials and administrators. The complaint also referenced allegations that the Seville Provincial Deputation allowed the nearby Casa de la Provincia building to serve as dressing rooms for artists, an assertion that the provincial body denied. Party representatives argued that public institutions inappropriately used taxpayer resources and municipal authority to privatize a protected public square for a commercial entity.

Luis María Pardo criticized the cross-party financial backing for the private function:

Public money does not belong to the PP, the PSOE, or Vox.

Municipal ordinance exemptions and official defence

Under Seville municipal ordinances governing the declared Historic Complex, commercial events and private activities are explicitly prohibited in Plaza Virgen de los Reyes. However, Article 3 of the municipal regulation permits exceptions for official activities, filming, traditional festivals, and low-impact events that do not leave lasting effects on the heritage site. The Seville City Council maintained that the permit met all statutory requirements, citing supporting technical and legal reports, and noted that previous editions of the awards had utilized other public spaces including María Luisa Park. Municipal delegate for tourism and culture Angie Moreno confirmed that municipal firm Contursa applied directly for the permit to allow the event to proceed.

Angie Moreno explained why the city administration submitted the permit application on behalf of the organizers:

A private company cannot request the use of Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, but the city council can.