The prominent Spanish politician Rita Barbera has reportedly died of a heart attack in Madrid.
A Popular Party (PP) senator in Spain’s upper house of Parliament, Barbera has been in the public eye over the last year in connection with an investigation into alleged irregular party financing in the coastal city of Valencia, where she was mayor.
She was mayor of Valencia between 1991 and 2015, and a regional deputy from 1983 to 2015.
Known as “the Boss” and “the mayoress of Spain” by supporters, Barbera was an integral part of Valencian life.
A minute’s silence
A minute’s silence was held to allow members of Spain’s Congress to pay their respects.
Deputes from the left-wing anti-austerity party Podemos left the chamber during the silence.
BREAKING: Spanish senator Rita Barberá, linked to corruption probe, dies of heart attack in Madrid hotel: https://t.co/eKe3Y8RMCW pic.twitter.com/rAhG0yGliq— El País in English (@elpaisinenglish) November 23, 2016
Tainted by scandal
With her trademark string of pearls, red suits and make-up, Rita Barbera has been an unmistakable figure in Spanish politics since the 1980s.
For many, she was a symbol of the corruption ingrained in the highest levels of the country’s establishment.
In September, Spain’s Supreme Court said it would investigate Barbera for alleged mony laundering offences.
The news came at a bad time for Rajoy’s party, which was attempting to form a national government after two inconclusive general elections.
Barbera denied any wrongdoing but resigned from the party after the court opened the investigation.
However, in a controversial move lambasted by the media, she refused to give up her seat in Spain’s upper house of parliament.
Testified on Monday
On Monday, the 68-year-old testified before Spain’s Supreme Court.
The hearing was in connection with claims of money-laundering by the governing Popular Party during her time as mayor.
She denied any involvement in any suspected illegal financing activity.
Comienza el pleno del Congreso_Es con un minuto de silencio por el fallecimiento de Rita Barbera . pic.twitter.com/mPY9sIEzns— Eloy Suárez Lamata (eloysuarezl) November 23, 2016
Operation Taula
This is focused on the activities of local officials in Valencia, Alicante and Castellon.
24 people have been arrested since January.
What they are saying
“We are deeply affected. She dedicated her life to Valencia,” – Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.
“We are not going to participate in a tribute to a person whose political journey has been scarred by corruption,” – Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias.
