Spanish envoy removed ‘for absenteeism’

The Spanish ambassador to Belgium has been removed from his post amid claims he was often absent from work and “abused” his position. No official reason was given for Ignacio Jesus Matellanes Martinez’s removal. However, an official report seen by one news agency said his “absenteeism and unwillingness to work” had led to the embassy […]

The Spanish ambassador to Belgium has been removed from his post amid claims he was often absent from work and “abused” his position.
No official reason was given for Ignacio Jesus Matellanes Martinez’s removal.
However, an official report seen by one news agency said his “absenteeism and unwillingness to work” had led to the embassy being “paralysed”.
Mr Matellanes has not made any comment on the claims.
A spokesperson told Europa Press that the inspection service reports were confidential and declined to make further comment.
An official investigation by the foreign ministry seen by the Spanish Europa Press news agency said there were “very serious faults” in the embassy’s workings.
It said that the embassy “does not seem to be fulfilling its essential functions…”