Socialist spokesperson, Antonio Hurtado, stated that the decision to forgo the purchase of these iconic summer cinemas might have been made without the mandatory technical report, which he claims was not provided despite being requested. Hurtado is calling for the expropriation of the cinemas following what he deems a negligent renunciation by the mayor's office.
According to information provided by the Municipal Government, a verbal inquiry was made in May 2024 regarding the possibility of the City Council engaging in the film exhibition business. A subsequent report, accessed by the Socialist Municipal Group, concluded that this activity could be undertaken as a public or economic service, provided it followed a regulated procedure and received full council approval.
Hurtado criticizes the mayor for seeking a report that would support the impossibility of programming films, and upon its unfavorable outcome, the document was shelved. Later, on March 3, 2025, representatives from Esplendor Cinemas S.L. and Dreamworld Star SL communicated a preliminary agreement to purchase the cinemas for 400,000 euros, committing to continue their use as summer cinemas and for other events.
The City Council was notified to exercise its preferential acquisition right. The mayor's response, dated March 11, 2025, communicated the renunciation of this right, arguing that the most convenient option for the public interest and social profitability of the municipality had been analyzed.
Subsequently, on January 28, 2026, the same companies notified a new preliminary agreement for 300,000 euros. The mayor again responded with a renunciation, via a letter dated February 25, 2026. The socialist spokesperson fears that on both occasions, the necessary technical reports were absent to justify the renunciation of the opportunity to acquire the cinemas.
In light of this situation, Hurtado has once again requested the technical report, recalling that in the last council meeting, the absence of this report was used as an excuse for not being able to purchase the cinemas through the right of pre-emption and retraction, suggesting a late offer to the new owner which was rejected.
Separately, the Secretary General of the PSOE of Córdoba, Rafi Crespín, condemned the attitudes of intolerance and hatred observed during the Pride celebration on June 13 in Córdoba capital. She reaffirmed the socialist commitment to equality, diversity, and human rights, deeming such behaviors incompatible with democratic values.
Crespín emphasized the need to combat discourses that question hard-won rights and foster social division, and highlighted the efforts of the Spanish Government in combating discrimination and hate crimes. Finally, she encouraged citizens to participate in the demonstration called by the Plataforma Córdoba por la Diversidad on June 28, International LGBTQI+ Pride Day, to advocate for coexistence and respect.
