Elías Bendodo Criticized Marbella’s Image Deterioration in 2017
Elías Bendodo, the former president of the Diputación de Málaga, criticized the “deterioration” of Marbella’s image in terms of safety and quality tourism in May 2017. This criticism came after a multiple hit-and-run incident in Puerto Banús, involving the socialist mayor José Bernal.
Bendodo’s Silence Amid Recent Shootings
Now, following a wave of five shootings in two months, Bendodo has remained silent. His statements in 2017, made as the president of Turismo Costa del Sol, stirred up controversy and were heavily criticized from various sectors, not just political ones.
Blaming the Socialist Mayor
One of the differences between then and now is that the mayor of the municipality at the time was socialist José Bernal, whom Bendodo directly blamed for everything that had happened. The events shocked the citizens, as they could have resulted in a tragedy. A vehicle occupied by two British individuals who tested positive for alcohol and drugs ran over people in Puerto Banús before getting into an accident on the A-7.
Marbella’s Image and Quality Tourism
Bendodo, who is now a senior official of the national PP, stated that Marbella needed to project an image of a safe city and a quality destination. He claimed that the city’s government had abandoned these two issues in the past two years. He warned of Marbella’s deteriorating image and urged the city council to take the reins in matters of citizen safety and quality tourism, as there was a perceived “relaxation” in these areas.
Five Shootings in Two Months
Now, there have been five shootings in two months, with several people injured by gunfire and a high level of social alarm. Bendodo has remained silent and, of course, has not pointed the finger at the current mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, who would now be to blame according to his previous argument.
Marbella’s Current Situation
Marbella is now supposed to be a very safe place with quality tourists, among whom gunmen are proliferating.
