The leader of Vox in Catalonia, Ignacio Garriga, investigated for his income
An internal investigation by the Auditor General of the Parliament has revealed that Ignacio Garriga, leader of Vox in Catalonia, has accumulated 39,361 euros in irregular expenses in two years. These expenses are the subject of an investigation by the Audit Office, which has asked for details on Garriga’s economic activity and property declaration.
The details of Garriga’s invoices
According to the digital El Confidencial, access has been had to the invoices for May, June and July 2021, which add up to a total of 1,538.46 euros gross each. On these invoices, Garriga withheld 35% of personal income tax, that is to say, 538.46 euros on each receipt. The invoices are part of the investigation and Garriga has been asked to provide details on the concept of ‘office services’.
Garriga’s expenses
The Auditor’s report indicates that there are two different types of expenses. On the one hand, there are the personal expenses that Garriga justified with the parliamentary group card, such as dry cleaning, leisure, hairdresser and Glovo services, with a total value of 603.35 euros. On the other hand, there are the invoices that Garriga issued each month, which add up to a total of 38,496.59 euros between 2021 and 2022. These invoices are the main object of the investigation.
Garriga’s explanations
According to the same report, Garriga would have argued that the irregular income was an oversalary approved by Vox’s management to compensate for the loss of income that had meant leaving his profession as a dentist to devote himself fully to politics. However, this explanation does not agree with his declaration of assets, since when he arrived in Parliament his assets were lower than what he received as a deputy.
The response of the Bureau of the Parliament
The report also points out that the Bureau of Parliament can request clarification from the Vox group about the type of professional activity that Garriga has carried out and for which he has received the 38,496.59 euros. The Bureau has the power to request additional information on this matter. However, the parliamentary group is not obliged to present its bills, but can do so voluntarily.
Proposals to improve expenditure control mechanisms
The report suggests that the mechanisms for controlling the expenses of the parliamentary groups be improved. Although it is not proposed that Garriga return the money, it is suggested that there be a change in regulations to exercise greater control over the amounts received by parliamentary groups, as they come from public subsidies. The Auditor of Accounts proposes to modify the current regulations to extend the scope of financial control.