Culture Councillor in Almería Resigns After Positive Alcohol Test

Diego Cruz, the culture councillor of Almería in southern Spain, has resigned from his post after failing an alcohol test while driving an official vehicle.

According to reports, Cruz was at the wheel of a car assigned for official government use when he was stopped by police shortly after leaving the city's Feria, a popular local festival.

He was subsequently found to have a positive breathalyser result, indicating that alcohol was present in his system at the time he was driving.

Cruz, who represents the Partido Popular (PP), one of Spain's main political parties, stepped down from his role shortly after the incident became public.

The case has prompted criticism from the opposing PSOE party, which called for greater accountability from those holding public office.

A PSOE representative stated, "There is a public responsibility," emphasising that officials must uphold higher standards of conduct, particularly when using resources funded by taxpayers.

The controversy centres not only on the alcohol test itself, but also on the fact that the vehicle involved was an official car, intended strictly for professional duties.

Political scandals involving misuse of public vehicles or resources often attract heightened scrutiny, as they touch on both personal conduct and public trust in institutions.

While the summary does not detail any legal consequences that may follow, the resignation itself reflects an acknowledgement of the seriousness of the situation.

The episode adds to an ongoing public debate in Spain regarding the ethical responsibilities of elected officials and the expectations placed upon them when using government property.