The Provincial Council of Bizkaia has opened a disciplinary investigation into three officials from the Foral Institute of Social Assistance (IFAS) for allegedly attempting to favor relatives in two personnel selection processes convened by the organization this spring. The individuals involved are Izaskun Urien, head of the Selection and Provision Area; Rosa García, head of the Administrative Management Area; and Veronika Atxutegi, a senior technician in Occupational Risk Prevention. All three were part of a Merit Assessment Commission composed of six professionals, serving as president, member, and secretary, respectively.
In addition to initiating disciplinary proceedings, the provincial institution has temporarily removed them from contracting tribunals. The law requires public administration employees to recuse themselves from decisions involving family members, and failure to do so constitutes a serious offense that can lead to suspension from duty or forced transfer.
The case came to light following an internal investigation by IFAS itself. The provisional assessment for the positions of porter-maintenance assistant and waiter-cleaner, which included children, nephews, and other relatives of the investigated officials, was published and then withdrawn within minutes. Subsequently, a resolution was issued annulling the candidate ranking and ordering the process to be restarted, citing that the impartiality and the principles of equality, merit, and capacity were compromised. The resolution highlighted four candidates with surnames matching those of the investigated officials.
A second resolution addressed the employment pool for waiter-cleaner, stating that Rosa García actively participated in deliberations and assessments despite her daughter's participation in the process obliging her to abstain.
The Provincial Council stated that IFAS acted "swiftly, diligently, and responsibly" to "guarantee maximum legal certainty, paralyzing the process." They emphasized that "no effective impact has occurred for participants" as the process was in a provisional phase and no hiring had taken place.
