The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, justifies the acquisition of a penthouse in Chamberí for institutional use. The controversy arises due to the coincidence with the sale of her current home.
Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, has responded to the criticism received for the recent purchase of a penthouse in the Chamberí neighbourhood, intended to be a temporary office during the renovations at the Real Casa de Correos. During a visit to Villa del Prado, where she met with mayors affected by a forest fire, Ayuso stated that it would be "unwise" to look for a house that she could not "hide." This statement comes amid the debate regarding her residence and the use of the new property.
The controversy intensified because the acquisition of the penthouse coincides with the sale of her current home, where she lives with her partner, Alberto González Amador. In response to questions about this situation, Ayuso emphasized that it makes no sense to try to hide where she lives or works. "One cannot hide where one lives, nor can one hide where one works," she declared to the media.
Additionally, she stressed that living "as if she were in a bunker" is not a viable option for her. The president also joked about the fact that if she had wanted an official residence, she would have done so from the beginning of her term seven years ago. According to her words: "The logical thing would have been to decide it from day one," referring to other politicians who keep their residences secret.
Ayuso argued that there is a malicious intent from some sectors to mix her personal life with her institutional activity during the planned works for this autumn. Although the final location for her temporary work has not yet been decided, she assured that she is willing to face the criticism.
Regarding the sale of the penthouse acquired by Planifica Madrid, the public company responsible for the property, Ayuso defended this decision as part of a broader policy aimed at reducing unnecessary expenses within the regional government. Since taking office, she has promoted a reduction in the number of ministries and public bodies.
The president emphasized that everything superfluous should be put up for sale and used to address urgent needs such as the aforementioned works. "It would not make sense to spend public resources on anything else given this need," she stated.
Despite the support received from the Popular Party in the Madrid Assembly regarding this controversial situation, Ayuso downplayed this backing as something usual within the political sphere: "It is normal for group members to support each other," she concluded.
This situation once again brings to the forefront the debate about the efficient use and management of public resources by the regional government as it continues to move towards a more sustainable and transparent future.
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