Spain: Sharing Economy report shows rift in CNMC leadership

CNMC’s vice-president, María Fernández, along with five other council members at the market regulator, have announced they sent a written request to CNMC President José María Marín, asking for steps to be taken to remove the current Director of Competition Promotion, Antonio Maudes, whom they consider to have lost the confidence of a significant part of the council.

This new chapter in the silent war being waged at the heart of the Commission could lead to Government level legal proceedings, several sources said. While the opposing council members are in the majority, they lack the authority to ask for a Director-level post to be vacated. Should Marín refuse to remove Maudes, the council has said it is prepared to file a suit with Spain’s Attorney General. The councilmen have denounced a “total lack of internal independence” for the various directorates, as Maudes’ own overzealous auditing is seen as putting in doubt the abilities of the technical departments.

The CNMC President has the authority to dismiss any director, although there is no indication that Mr. Marin intends to do this. His refusal could cause paralysis at the Competition watchdog, as the opposing majority has the ability to block any and all resolutions, which would either stall or have to be released without official approval.

Full content: El Mundo

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