Ombudsman questions SEPE over official disciplined for seeing walk-in citizens

Spain's Ombudsman, Ángel Gabilondo, has formally inquired with the Public Employment Service (SEPE) regarding the disciplinary action taken against a civil servant. The official was reportedly disciplined for attending to citizens who did not have prior appointments, a practice that has drawn scrutiny.

The Ombudsman's office stated it has received a significant volume of complaints from citizens facing challenges in obtaining appointments with SEPE. These difficulties in accessing public services have become a recurring issue, prompting the intervention of the independent oversight body.

This action by the Ombudsman underscores the growing public frustration with bureaucratic hurdles. The inquiry aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the disciplinary measure and to address the broader problem of appointment accessibility within SEPE, ensuring that citizens can receive the services they require more effectively.