The controversy surrounding Eva Cárdenas, the partner of Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Popular Party (PP) in Spain, has recently escalated as she seeks to secure public land for private access to the beach of O Con from her property situated near Moaña, Pontevedra. Cárdenas, who is also known for her previous executive roles at Zara Home and L’Oréal, has formally requested the Serviço Provincial de Costas de Pontevedra for authorization to use the approximately 210 square meters of public land until 2037.
The Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE) reported on this request, which has surfaced amid increasing scrutiny over the nature of her property and access to the beach. The area was delisted as public property back in 2007, but Cárdenas asserts she has rights as the owner of the adjacent property, which she purchased only recently, in 2019.
According to records, the coastal land, which supports direct entry to the beach, was enclosed with walls before Cárdenas acquired her home. Consequently, as the Servicio de Costas had initiated proceedings to recover this parcel of land for public use, the appeal by Cárdenas aligns with legal provisions found within Spain's coastal law. The law allows former users of public land to apply for concessions, which means Cárdenas might request such access under the claim of previous ownership rights.
The focus of this situation relates not only to Cárdenas but to broader concerns over public access to beaches. Activism claiming to protect public coastline access has developed significantly, with groups like Pladesemapesga advocating against the privatization of public spaces for personal gain. They argue this case could set troubling precedents, prompting fears of restricted access to Spain's cherished coastal areas.
Previously, the Government's announcement published on November 5 indicated measures to reclaim the area, accentuating potential conflicts between private ownership and public access. This initiative has opened the door for public input. The relevant public commentary period commenced on November 16 and will last for 20 workdays, allowing affected parties to voice their arguments.
Cárdenas' formal request was submitted to the authorities following the notice of public recovery. By arguing for the concession based on previous ownership rights, she aims to maintain access to the beach, much to the consternation of local community advocates who highlight the importance of keeping such areas accessible for everyone.
This request arrives during significant political challenges for Cárdenas and her partner, Feijóo. With the Galician government standing on the brink of gaining new coastal management powers, this land access dispute sows discord within party ranks and reflects on broader public perception of the PP's commitment to coastal and environmental sustainability.
Despite attempts to elicit comments from Feijóo’s representatives about Cárdenas' actions, the assertions have been met with limited responses. They reiterated the house belongs to Cárdenas independently, creating distance between the party and the debate's fallout.
The upcoming weeks will shed light on how the coastal services agency balances public needs with the requests being made by private citizens like Cárdenas, as various stakeholders weigh the ramifications of her application. The outcome will be pivotal not only for Cárdenas but also for the public's right to access beaches across Spain.