"I have no idea": Ayuso gives no explanations about the luxury penthouse, for which Madrid paid 6.3 million
The president of the Community of Madrid says that it is the Minister of the Presidency who has to give explanations
The 485-square-meter penthouse that the Community of Madrid bought as a "temporary office" for Isabel Díaz Ayuso cost 6.3 million euros, according to the newspaper El País. The luxury home, located at number 35 on Paseo del General Martínez Campos, in the Chamberí neighborhood, was put up for sale for 6.6 million on the real estate portal that managed the purchase. Ayuso's government acquired it three months ago through the public company Planifica Madrid, which manages the Community's land.
According to the same outlet publishing the information, the real estate agency received a 3% commission, amounting to 189,000 euros borne by the seller. The purchase was not advertised or included in any budget or transparency portal and, although the Madrid president admitted the acquisition, she asserted that it is not clear that she wanted to use the home for personal use: "It's false, I'm not buying anything nor is anyone buying anything for me." Until now, the final sale price had not been disclosed, and Ayuso herself evaded the issue when asked. In fact, this Wednesday she left the explanations to her Minister of the Presidency: "I have to refer you to the Ministry because, among other things, it is the one that has not only detailed information but also the communication channels for it," Ayuso stated in an address to the media from one of the towns affected by the fires. "I have no idea," said Ayuso, who absolved herself of any responsibility on the matter.
The penthouse specifically has a 199-square-meter terrace and is on the ninth floor of a residential building without offices, next to Paseo de la Castellana. According to El País, the luxury real estate agency that acted as an intermediary in the sale is Promora, located in La Moraleja. This real estate agency published the apartment's advertisement on social media with the following tagline: "A unique and exclusive penthouse in the heart of Almagro: 623 square meters of absolute luxury, five en-suite bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a spectacular terrace."
The video shows montages made with artificial intelligence of how the house would look if it were decorated with furniture: an office or a bedroom with panoramic views of Madrid are some of the simulations shared by the real estate agency. Ayuso acknowledged a week ago that the apartment was to be one of the spaces that would be used during the renovation of the Royal House of Correos, the seat of the regional government. However, she did not clarify why the purchase of the apartment had been opted for instead of a rental. Finally, and after criticism from the opposition and media pressure, the Community announced that the penthouse would be sold just 24 hours after the news broke.
