Ana Belén Castejón resigns amid controversy over Los Mateos land purchase

Ana Belén Castejón, former mayor of Cartagena, has announced her resignation from her council seat and as Secretary General of the Sí Cartagena party, bringing to a close more than two decades in politics. The former mayor cited personal and family reasons for stepping down, saying she intends to devote more time to her health and close family.

A farewell coinciding with the Los Mateos controversy

Castejón’s decision comes amid intense political and legal scrutiny over the controversial purchase of the Los Mateos plot, intended for the construction of 40 public housing units. The acquisition, carried out while the municipal government was in caretaker mode following the 2023 elections, has been criticized for multiple irregularities. According to the Socialist Party (PSOE), the city paid more than €437,000 for a contaminated site, deducting €200,000 for remediation, despite technical reports estimating the actual cleanup costs at over €535,000.

Socialist spokesperson Manuel Torres has said the purchase resulted in the loss of €1.6 million in European Union funds and criticized the lack of prior due diligence. He also questioned the choice of the site when other municipal plots were available, as well as the decision to absolve the previous owners of responsibility for the contamination.

Castejón, who chaired the board of the municipal company Casco Antiguo responsible for the operation, defended the acquisition at the time as a way to promote social housing and access EU aid. She argued it was part of a broader plan to revitalize the Los Mateos neighborhood and provide housing for young people and vulnerable groups.

Her resignation comes as socialists continue to push for an investigative committee to clarify all questions surrounding the management of the plot. The timing of Castejón’s departure has prompted speculation over whether her decision is purely personal or influenced by mounting political pressure.

Castejón said she is leaving politics “free, without resentment and with gratitude,” and intends to remain connected to Cartagena in a different capacity, while the PSOE maintains its call for accountability over the Los Mateos land purchase.