Illa drops Eduard Rivas, a key figure in his government, after the leak of his phone in a municipal corruption case

A corruption investigation has impacted Salvador Illa's administration in Catalonia following the resignation of Eduard Rivas, his chief of staff. Rivas stepped down after learning that the secrecy of an ongoing case was lifted, which involves alleged irregularities in public contracts during his tenure as mayor of Esparraguera. The opposition and coalition partners are demanding transparency from Illa regarding this crisis. Rivas is accused of favoring the Foundation for Social Inclusion in contract awards and leaking bid criteria. The investigation, initiated by the Martorell court, has revealed messages from Rivas's confiscated phone that suggest misconduct. Xavier Amor will replace Rivas, who had been a trusted aide since 2024.