Almeida runs to Ayuso's rescue and declares the controversial 6.3 million penthouse closed: "The gum has no more stretch"

José Luis Martínez-Almeida has started the political year with a full-fledged show of support for Isabel Díaz Ayuso. The mayor of Madrid has declared the controversy over the penthouse acquired by the public company Planifica Madrid exhausted and has accused the left of continuing to "stretch the chewing gum" given the proximity of the 2027 regional and municipal elections.

"The Community of Madrid has provided all the necessary explanations," Almeida assured, considering it proven that the operation did not cause patrimonial damage. He also rejected reports pointing to a possible leak from within the Popular Party itself and presented these suspicions as another sign of the "desperation" of the opposition.

A purchase that remains in court

The mayor's attempt to politically close the matter clashes with a reality that is still uncomfortable for the Madrid government. The purchase of the property continues under investigation by Instruction Court number 8 of Madrid, which received complaints from Iustitia Europa, the Socialist Party of Madrid, and several individuals.

Planifica Madrid paid 6.3 million euros for the Chamberí penthouse, initially reserved as a temporary office for Ayuso during the works of the Royal Post Office. The regional executive later discarded that use and put the property up for sale for 6.7 million. The succession of versions and the lack of clarity about the initial purpose of the purchase have kept alive a controversy that Almeida considers "quite minor".

The mayor also responded to the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, who this Monday spoke of Ayuso's 'aticazo'. Almeida asked him to deal with his "more serious problems" and assured that the central Executive is "a corrupt government". He then challenged the Madrid left to make the penthouse their main electoral argument because, in his opinion, citizens "will respond duly at the polls."

Almeida took advantage of his appearance to call on Madrid residents to the rally in support of Ceuta scheduled for this Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. in Cibeles. The mayor accused Sánchez of launching "trial balloons" about Russia, Israel, or the visit of Felipe VI to divert attention from his management of the migratory crisis.

The clash over Casa Árabe

The mayor's other major front is at the Escuelas Aguirre. This Tuesday, the deadline granted by the City Council for Casa Árabe to vacate the municipal building it has occupied since 2008 expired, but the departure remains blocked by the disagreement between the City Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Almeida has accused the department led by José Manuel Albares of maintaining an "illegal occupation" and has announced possible legal actions. The City Council maintains that the building has structural damage and needs urgent repairs. The mayor has directly held the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for any accident that could affect workers or visitors.

The Ministry has rejected that version. Sources from Foreign Affairs assure that Albares spoke with Almeida on July 27 and that three days later technical meetings were held between the two administrations. They also argue that the City Council can only recover its contribution to the consortium when the departure of another of its members is formalized. The Community of Madrid has announced its withdrawal, although the process is still pending the Governing Council.

Casa Árabe is a public diplomacy institution dedicated for two decades to strengthening Spain's relations with Arab countries. Its headquarters, declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2025, remains closed to the public while its employees telework. Students and supporters have gathered in the gardens of the Escuelas Aguirre under the slogan "Casa Árabe is not to be touched."