Nerja museum sparks political confrontations

THE Cueva de Nerja Museum has been a constant source of conflict between the local socialists and Partido Popular ever since it was first planned five years ago. The museum has cost €5m and been supported by the foundation which manages the caves. This foundation depends on the central government, but its president is the PSOE spokesman and mayoral candidate Angel Ramirez.

It is almost ready to open and an Open Day will be held this week so local residents can see the equipment which is used to tell the story of the caves and the town, from the first dwellers to becoming the most visited natural monument in Malaga.

However, the local PP government has still not granted the opening and first occupation licenses to the museum, although they were requested a year ago.

Ramirez claims that the mayor, Jose Alberto Armijo, is doing everything in his power to prevent the museum from going ahead.

Meanwhile, Armijo, says that the fact that the licenses have not been granted does not stop the museum from opening, and that it is more likely to be because there is still no staff. He also says he has not been invited to the opening event, despite the fact he is the vice-president.

By Jennifer Leighfield