Allegations of Cronyism and Corruption in Bizkaia's Lamiako Sub-river Tunnel Project

• The Provincial Council of Bizkaia has allocated nearly 500 million euros to the Lamiako sub-river tunnel project, with contracts heavily concentrated among companies previously sanctioned for cartel activity and deeply linked to political 'revolving door' appointments.
• The project, championed by current Lehendakari Imanol Pradales during his time as infrastructure deputy, is facing significant public outcry and legal challenges over costs and environmental impact.

Key Contracts and Contractors

• The 3.2km mega-project was split into six contracts awarded to nine temporary joint ventures (UTEs).
• Several firms, including Ferrovial and Sacyr, have been repeatedly sanctioned by the Spanish National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) for decades of bid-rigging.
• The largest segments, such as the 132.9 million euro Artaza link, were awarded to entities with documented histories of anti-competitive behavior.

Revolving Doors and Conflicts of Interest

• Former directors and officials from Interbiak, the public entity distributing the funds, now hold prominent positions within the winning construction firms.
• The firms responsible for designing the project (Sener and Idom) have also been contracted to oversee construction and safety, essentially auditing their own work.
• Legal and financial advisory roles were granted to law firms previously involved in defending high-profile political corruption cases, such as the 'De Miguel' affair.

Social Opposition and Consequences

• The activist group 'Subflubiala EZ' warns that the project will increase traffic by 33%, leading to higher CO2 emissions and noise pollution while ignoring public transit alternatives.
• Authorities have used the 'Gag Law' to fine protesters and have proceeded with the destruction of green space in Artaza Park, despite an ongoing legal challenge at the High Court of Justice of the Basque Country.
• Critics estimate the final cost could reach 800 million euros, fueling concerns that public money is being funneled into private interests connected to the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) at the expense of social services.