Madrid Government Under Fire Over €6.3 Million Luxury Penthouse Bought as Temporary Office for Ayuso

MADRID: The regional government of Madrid is facing growing political and public scrutiny over its purchase of a €6.3 million luxury penthouse in the upscale Chamberí district, which officials said was intended to serve as a temporary workplace for regional President Isabel Díaz Ayuso while renovations were carried out at the government’s headquarters.

The 485-square-metre property, which includes a terrace of almost 200 square metres, was acquired in April through Planifica Madrid, a public company responsible for managing regional land. The purchase was not initially made public, and questions have since been raised over the cost, purpose and transparency of the transaction.

The controversy intensified after it emerged that the property is subject to residential-use planning restrictions, meaning it cannot ordinarily be used as an office. Critics have also questioned why the government’s requirements for a property included a large terrace, while reports said officials had sought a luxury apartment of between 250 and 400 square metres.

Ayuso’s administration has faced mounting demands to explain the purchase. Opposition parties have criticised the use of public funds, while the Madrid government has announced that the penthouse will be put back on the market. Officials said proceeds from the sale would be directed toward supporting areas affected by recent wildfires.

The issue has also generated divisions within Spain’s conservative People’s Party (PP) and prompted a judicial investigation into complaints concerning the transaction. The controversy is putting additional political pressure on Ayuso as she faces questions over transparency and the use of public resources.