Eduard Rivas resigns as Illa’s chief of staff

Eduard Rivas has resigned as chief of staff to Catalan President Salvador Illa after court secrecy was lifted in an investigation into alleged misuse of public funds.

Rivas submitted his resignation on Friday 30 October, a day after he was notified that the secrecy had ended. The Generalitat said the departure was his own decision rather than a dismissal. Illa thanked him for his work and commitment.

The case before Tribunal de Instancia 7 in Martorell concerns suspected irregularities involving the Fundación para la Inclusión Laboral in Esparreguera. The foundation employs people with disabilities, and Rivas was one of its patrons while he was mayor of the town.

Rivas remains under investigation over alleged embezzlement. Mossos d’Esquadra seized his mobile phone in January on the judge’s orders. He has maintained his innocence and said he had always acted within the law.

Rivas said he stepped aside to prevent doubts about the court case from affecting his former responsibilities. He said he would continue public-service work through the Socialists’ Party of Catalonia.

Xavier Amor to take over

Xavier Amor, currently secretary for local government and relations with Aran, is due to succeed Rivas. His appointment is expected to be formalised at Tuesday’s Catalan government meeting. Amor served as mayor of Pineda de Mar from 2007 to 2024.

Sources: ABC; El Mundo; elDiario.es; La Vanguardia.