Ruiz-Canela, who has led the Convergéncia Aranesa party for 19 years, claims his card was cloned. However, the incident was only reported to the authorities after it became public knowledge through local media reports in recent weeks.
“"Public coffers have not been affected."
This investigation follows a sexual assault conviction in November. The mayor reached a settlement after admitting to inappropriate touching at a nightclub in Vielha, paying 15,000 euros in compensation and accepting a restraining order to avoid prison time.
Despite these legal issues, Ruiz-Canela remains in office, governing the wealthiest municipality in the Aran Valley. Naut Aran, home to the Baqueira-Beret ski resort, continues to be the last stronghold for his political formation.
