Court looks into Cartagena mayor’s land dealings

CARTAGENA’S mayor, Pilar Barreiro, is the latest mayor to be investigated.

The Supreme Court is investigating alleged wrongdoings relating to the Novo Carthago case in allowing planning permission for the development.

Novo Carthago was to include the building of around 10,000 new homes, hotels and a golf complex, but was ruled illegal as it was to be built on protected land near the Mar Menor. Barreiro is accused of modifying local land laws and reclassifying protected land to allow the project to go ahead.

Barreiro has now asked to be allowed to testify voluntarily to clear her name.

The allegations could affect her chance of standing in May’s elections as it is unlikely the mayor will be able to clear her name in time for the candidates’ list to be finalised.