Former Móstoles councilwoman ratifies sexual harassment complaint against mayor

A former Popular Party (PP) councilwoman from Móstoles has ratified her complaint against Mayor Manuel Bautista, detailing three alleged sexual propositions that she says led to workplace harassment after she rejected them. The three-hour testimony took place before a judge at the Violence Against Women section of the Móstoles Court of Instance.

The allegations

• The ex-councilwoman stated that Bautista made three distinct sexual propositions in a short period, all occurring in the privacy of a car, which she described as creating a sense of helplessness. Source: La Vanguardia
• She rejected the first approach hesitantly, the second more firmly, and on the third occasion told him "absolutely that she was not sexually attracted to him and that it should be the last time." Source: Infobae
• After the rejections, she claims a process of workplace harassment began, including isolation and pressure. Source: El Mundo

Party response

• The councilwoman said she reported the incidents to the PP but was completely ignored and felt coerced by two party interlocutors assigned to handle the matter. Source: Infobae
• Her request to activate internal harassment protocols was not addressed, and she alleges she was even explicitly threatened. Source: La Vanguardia
• The defense has requested the testimony of regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso, who was reportedly involved in the protocol activation. Source: La Vanguardia

Legal proceedings

The complaint was admitted for investigation in April after a favorable report from the prosecutor's office. However, Mayor Bautista has filed an appeal seeking the annulment of the proceedings and immediate dismissal, arguing essential procedural norms were violated. Source: El Mundo