David Sánchez, Ara Malikian and a job that reeks of cronyism
Pedro Sánchez's brother, David Sánchez, allegedly landed a public post ahead of violinist Ara Malikian. The case is now before the courts.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Did David Sánchez beat Ara Malikian to the job?
A world-famous violinist up against the prime minister's brother. The story sounds like a joke, but it has a courtroom and witnesses. The controversy over a post at the Provincial Council of Badajoz allegedly awarded to David Sánchez —alias "Chirimoyas"— at the expense of musician Ara Malikian has revived the debate over cronyism in Spain's public administration.
The case that reached the courts
According to testimony heard at the trial, one Nersés Avakimyán —an alleged violinist who did apply— has already appeared before the judge. The prosecution's argument: the job posting was tailored to the favourite candidate's profile, a pattern analysts call "taking the measurements of the chosen one and then making the suit". In practice, the decisive share of the score rests on an interview or project, where the panel can tip the scales without having to falsify any marks.
The shadow of the prime minister's brother
David Sánchez landing a public post under suspicious circumstances is nothing new: he has spent years litigating over his position at the performing arts office of the Provincial Council of Badajoz. What is new is that he now crosses paths with a musician of international standing. Those familiar with the procedure point out that the merit-based competition system leaves far too much room for discretion: it only takes the merits or interview stage weighing more than the exam for the favouritism to be legal on paper.
And what about Malikian?
Some doubt that the Armenian-Lebanese violinist ever actually applied for a post in Badajoz. The salary and the location —a small city, far from the international circuit— do not fit his career. Another possibility: there was another violinist, perhaps of the same origin, who did apply. The trial, still ongoing, will have to clarify it. Meanwhile, the scandal over the tailor-made public job keeps making waves.
Related discussions in the forum
A world-famous violinist up against the prime minister's brother. The story sounds like a joke, but it has a courtroom and witnesses. The controversy over a post at the Provincial Council of Badajoz allegedly awarded to David Sánchez —alias "Chirimoyas"— at the expense of musician Ara Malikian has revived the debate over cronyism in Spain's public administration.
The case that reached the courts
According to testimony heard at the trial, one Nersés Avakimyán —an alleged violinist who did apply— has already appeared before the judge. The prosecution's argument: the job posting was tailored to the favourite candidate's profile, a pattern analysts call "taking the measurements of the chosen one and then making the suit". In practice, the decisive share of the score rests on an interview or project, where the panel can tip the scales without having to falsify any marks.
The shadow of the prime minister's brother
David Sánchez landing a public post under suspicious circumstances is nothing new: he has spent years litigating over his position at the performing arts office of the Provincial Council of Badajoz. What is new is that he now crosses paths with a musician of international standing. Those familiar with the procedure point out that the merit-based competition system leaves far too much room for discretion: it only takes the merits or interview stage weighing more than the exam for the favouritism to be legal on paper.
And what about Malikian?
Some doubt that the Armenian-Lebanese violinist ever actually applied for a post in Badajoz. The salary and the location —a small city, far from the international circuit— do not fit his career. Another possibility: there was another violinist, perhaps of the same origin, who did apply. The trial, still ongoing, will have to clarify it. Meanwhile, the scandal over the tailor-made public job keeps making waves.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (39 replies).
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