Former Marbella Mayor Julián Muñoz Passes Away at 76

Julián Muñoz, the ex-mayor of Marbella, has passed away at the age of 76 following a prolonged battle with multiple health issues, including heart attacks, a stroke, cancer, and diabetes. The latter condition had resulted in the loss of vision in one of his eyes. Muñoz breathed his last at the HC Hospital in Marbella.

Family and Friends Gather for Muñoz’s Final Moments

Muñoz’s wife, Mayte Zadívar, along with other family members and close friends, were present at the hospital during his final moments. Muñoz was admitted to the emergency department of the hospital on 15 September and had been largely unconscious and unable to eat due to the severity of his treatment. Despite his condition, his wife reported that he remained “calm”. His daughters Elia and Eloísa, as well as his eldest grandson Fran, who is serving as the family spokesperson, visited him during his last days. Muñoz’s body is currently at the San Bernabé funeral home.

Julián Muñoz: A Controversial Figure in Marbella’s History

Julián Muñoz served as the mayor of Marbella from 2 May 2002 to 13 August 2003, representing the independent liberal group (GIL). He had been a councillor in the town hall since June 1991 under his predecessor, Jesús Gil. Muñoz gained national popularity due to his relationship with Isabel Pantoja, which was widely covered by the media.

Corruption Scandal and Subsequent Imprisonment

In July 2006, Muñoz was arrested in connection with one of Spain’s most notorious urban corruption cases, the Malaya case. He was convicted in several proceedings for bribery, misappropriation of public funds, and prevarication related to the granting of illegal licenses in Marbella. After spending several years in prison, he was released on parole in 2021 due to his deteriorating health. Since his release, Muñoz had been a regular visitor to the hospital due to the continuous decline in his health.