Alicante Mayor steps down

ALICANTE Mayor Sonia Castedo has announced her intention to resign from office by posting the shocking news on her Facebook page.

Barely 24 hours after being called to appear in court on January 16 and testify for her alleged involvement in a bribery and influence peddling case, Mayor Castedo took to the social media website to say she was stepping down.

“A long time ago I decided to share with you on my birthday, December 23, something that will mark a turning point in my life,” she said.

“Today I am resigning as mayor and end an important period in my life, in which Alicante has made me very happy. That is why I would like to thank you all, each and every one of you, for allowing me to fulfil my dream of being your mayor,” she continued.

“I make this decision, this hard decision I have thought about for a long time, because not only am I a mayor, but more importantly a woman and a mother of two girls that I have to protect. I do not think I need to say anything else. I reiterate my eternal gratitude to all Alicante residents,” she said.

“You know I have dedicated part of my life to this city, and in return I have been given the greatest gift one can get: the love of the people. I could have carried on and proved that I have never ever done anything wrong, but my daughters cannot, they do not have to or want to go through unfair situations no human being deserves. I will always be here, working with you as I always have, at your service for whatever you may need. Thank you,” she concluded.