Original subtitles

Can this really go somewhere or not?

It's very difficult.

I won't lie to you.

-So it's imposible? -No.

It's not imposible.

But very complicated, yes.

No politician's ever been denounced for something like that.

But it's all true.

Do you believe me?

I believe you, yes.

But that doesn't solve anything.

We'll be in a very hostile environment.

You'll be questioned again and again.

A very long and tough process.

You'll need to be strong to confront that.

A psychologist might help you through it.

And you need to know that filing a suit

doesn't mean leave being granted to proceed or getting to trial.

First, I need to know what happened.

Charo told me, but I want to hear it from you.

How did you know this man?

Everybody knows Ismael.

-Good morning, Ismael. -Good morning, Salva.

Good morning.

I AM NEVENKA

-Nevenka. -How do you do?

How are you?

-Fine. -This is Ismael, Nevenka.

-Pleased to meet you. -Me too.

This eleccions they are strong with a new candidate.

PONFERRADA, A YEAR BEFORE

I'm not a member. You knew that? My father must have told you.

Yes, we know that.

But that doesn't matter to us.

Mario's spoken wonders about your family.

I'm going to be honest with you.

Im not that much into the "party thing" I believe in people. Get me?

We're a group of friends

who over and above party politics are here to fight for Ponferrada.

I'm used to working hard.

I don't mind that.

But I completed my Degree last year and I'm still in Madrid,

doing an internship with Arthur Andersen.

Truth is, I'd like to finish that.

And in a year and a half do the State Auditing exam.

That wouldn't be a problem.

Almost all the councillors are part-time.

They have their day jobs and attend the plenary sessions.

Full-time 24/7,

it's just me, Ismael and two others.

You'd be number 3, 4 or 5 on the list

Well, more likely between 5 and 10, Manu or Daniel would be first, right?

That way you're sure to be elected.

Well, thank you very much, but I'd like to think about it.

Because I'm very happy in Madrid and,

well, coming back here is...

a complete change of life.

Of course, take your time.

We have till the end of the week.

The end of the week?

That gives you two days.

Besides, there's nothing to think about.

I don't know, I don't like politics.

It's a great opportunity.

NEVENKA FERNÁNDEZ SPANISH YUDO CHAMPION SUB-17

Too uncertain.

Such opportunities don't crop up every day, Quenka.

It's a golden opportunity.

Paquita! The lamb was delicious!

Yeah, delicious.

And he's a real womaniser that Ismael.

Well... that is true...

Gossip, gossip.

You lot enjoy bad-talking everyone!

Hey, Mario.

I don't care what Ismael does or doesn't do out there?

But you just watch out for my girl.

Of course.

Reform like that in the City Council, no way.

Such reform in the City Council.

-No way... -What are you doing?

No way, Laura,

this can be admitted in the Ponferrada City Council.

The noise is... this is so cool.

The noise is deafening.

There's such noise.

The planes make such noise, gentlemen.

What are you doing?

What do you want?

What do you want?

Hey, this looks ok right?

Inadmisible.

For the People's Party, Nevenka Fernández.

I swear to faithfully execute my duties as councillor

with loyalty to the king,

and to defend and uphold the Constitution as the fundamental norm of the State.

For the People's Party, Eva Martínez.

I was so moved, I look stupid!

Not you, Daniel.

Daniel, you always want to be in everything. Only the girls.

No, the new faces in the front row.

Very well, ready.

Here we go now.

-I'm not really one for the media. -Yeah, I know.

Hi, I'm Charo Velasco, I've heard a lot about you.

I'm in the opposition, but good luck anyway.

To you too.

Another one?

Ok.

Here, for you. Free drinks on the bar next door.

Well, girls, it's a hell of a challenge.

I need to get up to speed

because I don't know anything about Municipal administration.

I'll explain it all.

No one lifts a finger without Ismael Álvarez approval.

-So easy! -Come on!

You don't believe me?

Who does all this belong to?

And why do you think my partner was given a subsidy?

Because she's in with them.

And, of course, you know his reputation.

Yeah, I've been told.

You might be walking around already with "whore" written large on your forehead.

You don't remember what things are like round here,

you've been away too long!

You'll do a great job.

Thanks.

Here, for you. Free drinks on the bar next door.

Here, free drinks on the bar next door.

Free drinks on the bar next door.

What do your parents say?

My mother, the same town gossip as you.

They must be delighted to have a daughter in the City Council.

I'm thrilled to be back, I really am.

To be with you, with my family...

Lucia's outside. Let's go fetch her.

Yeah, let's go.

Can you two do that?

Of course, the Lady's with the big shots now.

-Hi. -Hi.

-How's it going? -You look gorgeous.

-Thanks. -Good evening.

Are your friends afraid of me?

No, they're coming now.

-Come on, Chema. -Mr Mayor.

Come on.

Grab some,

the Saint can't cope with so many grapes!

Come on, help yourselves, dive in.

No need for thanks, this is for you. This is for the people of Ponferrada.

-Thanks. -Thanks very much.

-Come on. -Thanks for helping out my kid.

Its nothing. We're here to help.

-Ok? -Thanks, thanks.

Miguel, take some grapes.

Hey, how's your mother?

Fine.

-Hello. -Thank you.

-How's your kid? -Fine.

-Champion of Spain, from El Bierzo. -And beyond.

Cause for celebration that.

-Spectacular. -What a day...

People were very grateful.

And they finished the grapes!

Ismael, we've booked a table.

Yes I know!

Ismael, this is for Conchi, from me. Hope she gets better.

-Thanks. -You're welcome.

Are you ok?

Let's go.

Ismael, remember, our get-together, soon.

Come, let's go.

Are you unwell?

I'm alright.. it's my wife...

She has a terminal cancer. She doesn't have much time.

She's really sick.

Sorry to hear that, Ismael.

I take her to Madrid, where she stays with her sister.

It's awful leaving her at home here in such pain.

-At least in Madrid she's not on her own. -Of course.

My kids are in bits.

We have been like that for 4 years.

It's a matter of weeks, days...

I'm very sorry.

Anything you need, I'm here.

Thanks very much, Quenka.

I'm glad I can count on you in the City Council.

-Of course. -I'm going to need you, eh?

Anything you need.

Ok, enough sob stories.

Would you join me to eat something?

Alright.

The commissions.

I'm not entirely sure yet, but more of that soon.

Thank you.

The new councillors will be announced in the plenary session,

but we'll get cracking right away.

Otherwise, we won't make it for the budget.

Feasts for Marisina.

Culture for Manu. Youth for Eva.

And all the rest, the same people.

And Commerce and Finance... for Nevenka.

Some contracts need to be changed, you handle that.

Uribarri has postponed the meeting

so we can splash out in the paper and on the radio

about the Rosaleda project.

You two.

So there's a buzz.

And you...

She's on the cover of the Sunday Supplement.

-No group photo. -Perfect.

I'll ask them what time.

It has to be at 7 as we're going to dinner after.

I can't, I have something else.

We're all going.

We're a block and must be seen as such.

All of us.

Juanito, about the radio and the paper...

-Under control. -No, done and dusted for Wednesday.

Fine.

-And El Toralín Stadium? -Ah, not a word.

-Exactly. -Nothing about that.

Ismael,

are you sure about this?

I'll give it my all, but maybe there are people with more experience.

You are the best there is in this City Council.

We'll give you all our support.

Don't worry.

You're worth a lot. There's no one better trained than you here.

You have my full confidence.

And my friendship.

Thanks. Honestly, thank you.

But...

Finance calls for dedication 24/7.

It's also twice the salary.

I take it that's not a problem.

In this transition what is life, Conchi has accompanied us all...

-Minister. -I'm sorry.

Before us, three supposed grounds for challenging the budget

which we reject.

We reject the PSOE proposal,

because it doesn't fall within any of the three grounds

and reject the other two challenges,

but we do correct the error regarding job offers.

Consequently, in keeping with these reports,

it is our understanding that the house votes

to reject these challenges

and the budget is officially approved.

Charo Velasco, from the PSOE, now has the floor.

There are 1500 empty houses in our city, failing into disrepair

and you wish to build a whole new district

on wasteground contaminated

by a mound of coal 90 metres high, and with no services.

And in your budget, Miss Fernández,

there's no mention of expenditure for cleaning and maintenance

for that new district.

Because they do not enter into the budget for this year.

And why should we allocate a sum of money,

not even you know how much,

for the construction of this ghost district?

Because that's what it's going to be.

People from the nearby villages have long ago settled down in Ponferrada.

So we could allocate that money into upgrading those empty,

broken down homes just depreciating year after year.

This year's budget, the real issue here,

is very clear, Ms Velasco.

Yeah, it's very clear alright,

because there's very little detail, Miss Fernández.

Nothing that really matters to us appears here.

When are we going to see the accounts of the new company

created in the City Council for the construction of this district?

Because you created a company, without a public competition.

I will prepare a report and bring it to the next plenary session.

What you lot can't stand

is to see us creating jobs

and bringing prosperity to the city, Ms Velasco.

Because for decades when you were in charge

the city was small, closed and dirty.

And you can't bear seeing under my government,

Ponferrada become the vibrant, modern city it is.

Why have you created Ponsegur?

Why was it not open to a public competition?

You might be a good doctor, Ms Velasco,

but you don't have a clue about City Council policy.

I'll tell you why you're doing it.

Because that would mean acting with transparency

which doesn't go with your politics, does it Mr Álvarez?

Because some friend of yours will land the coal removal deal

and another will develop the project.

And friends of yours will also get

the cleaning and maintenance contracts.

I am a friend of the people of Ponferrada, of course I am.

The budget is approved and the session is closed.

You didn't answer my questions, Mr Álvarez.

Aren't you going to answer?

Try and come well prepared to the plenary sessions.

I mean it as a woman, not as the opposition.

Thanks, but I don't need your advice.

Good work, Quenka.

FOR THE BEST (AND MOST BEAUTIFUL) COUNCILLOR, ISMA

-Ah, the accounts. -Here they are.

Yeah, from the last years, as you requested, and the Rosaleda project.

Perfect.

And... the Ponsegur stuff, Is here as well?

No, Ponsegur no.

Ismael handles related companies himself.

An important project.

Going to bring a lot of money to the city.

-I wanted to ask. -Ask.

There's a big hole.

You have...well, we have.

We have many unpaid debts for collection of rubbish.

Look how nicely underlined you have it, eh?

I knew I wasn't wrong about you.

Starting this young, you're going to end up where you want.

The important thing is not to make the mistake most politicians make.

This local council is much more than Ponferrada.

It's important to know the little villages.

That's a big mistake by those not from a humble background.

They look down upon the villages.

-I'm from a small village. -Are you? Which one?

Villa de Palos.

-You're from Villa de Palos! -Yes.

Look.

This used to be my house.

This one?

My father had 30 cows and the town cinema.

Imagine what he knew about film.

There were more seats in the cinema than people in the town.

It didn't work.

But the films weren't bad, I loved them.

I really wanted to be an actor.

-Really? -Yes.

But I didn't have the courage to tell my father.

And in the end, we turned it into a disco.

Thanks to it, I studied Law in Madrid.

Already married and with children.

The discos, the restaurants, all built with hard work.

More than a politician, I'm a businessman. Get me?

I already have all I need.

I don't have my nose in the trough, like others.

I'm in this to solve problems.

Blimey, your father! Always bringing people here!

You're not cold?

A system, peripheral...

Well Ismael, tell us.

How's Nevenka doing?

Fantastic.

Don't worry. She's great at her job.

I was telling him about the expansion.

About those Dutch folks, who're mad about our slate and he thinks it's great.

Enough about rubble, ok? Time to eat!

No, mum, we can't today.

We've reserved near here, in a great place.

Thanks, but we must get going.

We have to be at the Regional Parliament.

We have a meal with the court agents, and I want to introduce her.

Some of the councillors she's going to work with will be there.

-It's my treat, eh. -Juan Carlos, listen.

I never say no when invited to a meal.

But some other day.

Now you just relax, these people don't bite.

I'm fine.

-Quenka? -What?

I can't hide it anymore.

I feel something very strong for you.

Very strong.

And I can feel you do for me too.

Don't tell me you don't feel something for me.

Of course I do.

We're friends and I admire and respect you a lot, Ismael.

Quenkina.

But I don't know if it is this.

Didn't you say you feel a little something for me?

Well, that's enough.

Ismael, no.

I'm sorry.

Come on, let's go.

-Good morning. -Hello, good morning.

-Teresa. -Ismael.

Honourable President.

Ismael, bloody hell!

How are you?

Hey, really sorry about Conchi.

We're here for whatever you need.

Thanks very much, Jaime.

Look at our latest piece of talent.

Hi, how are you?

The best Finance councillor Ponferrada's ever had.

Nevenka Fernández.

How pretty you are eh?

Come on, grab your things, and let's go to lunch.

-Hey, how's the team going? -We're a NGO giving away points!

The girl's coming or not?

-Let's go. -A bottle they're going to open for us

specially kept hidden away.

I need you to look over it and if it's ready you sign it,

I'd like to present it at the next plenary session.

Did you do it?

Yes.

Look, Nevenka, just tell us what you want the bylaw to say

and we'll write it up.

That's our job.

It's clearer like this.

Look, you need to cross-check this, well.

Because I don't have it. Ok?

Those numbers...

Eh, sorry.

What I do need

is some data that's missing

on page 3.

Excuse me, do you mind if we continue later?

Ismael and the others are waiting for me, for lunch.

Enough beating about the bush

Today, I'll go for it I'm going to be all over you

and a different story that would be

We're tempting fate

We need to go all out

I'm mad about you

I'm mad about you, oh yes, I am

Stop.

Bravo! Bravo!

-It was the music, it was out of synch. -Totally!

We did good!

Not much for me, please.

That's fine.

Thanks.

"I dreamt you were leading me..."

Bravo!

You're the best!

Thanks, José.

Let's go now, with don Antonio.

-"I dreamt you were leading me -What's this?

along a white path,

in the middle of a green field,

towards the blue mountain range,

towards the blue mountains, on a calm morning.

I felt your hand in mine,

A soulmate's hand,

I heard your girl's voice in my ear,

like a new bell..."

Girl, he's twice your age.

-No, I'm not... -"Like a chaste bell..."

-I can see. -No, I'm not, really, no...

"Your voice and your hand so real in my dreams.

Hope lives on,

who knows what the earth swallows up?"

The great Antonio Machado.

Thank you very much, José, for accompanying me here.

Come on, let me come up with you

and you can show me that new little flat you've bought.

No, Isma.

Why not? Where is it?

Because.

Seriously, let's just try.

And if it doesn't work, no big deal, we'll carry on being friends.

-It doesn't work that way. -Why?

It just doesn't, the normal way is to start a relationship

see if there's feeling, if it works.

Then it goes further, not the other way round.

But that's what adults like us do, Quenki.

You're very young and inexperienced.

No, Ismael. I'm going home, see you tomorrow.

Besides, you said you feel something, right?

Just look what you do to me.

You have me crazy.

Let's go up.

Come on.

Hey, I've just bought a lovely bottle of wine if you want.

I want you.

Ismael, not so fast...

Ismael... hang on...

Good God.

Ismael, not so fast, please.

Dear Ismael,

I don't know how to tell you this.

But I'm just feeling something it's not good to feel.

If it didn't mean so much to me, I could make love with you,

have a good time,

and that's it.

But for me, a relationship is much more

than a bed or getting laid.

I love you, Isma,

but I don't know if it's the way it should be to have a relationship.

Something's missing, you say.

Of course it is, Isma.

I need to feel I'm not doing something that's bad.

I need to get rid of that Mata Hari feeling

I've had from the beginning, brought on by others.

And I need to be able to understand,

by myself,

that you could be part of my path in life.

For all that, I need time and space.

And often,

very often,

I don't feel I have it.

So, that's the way things are.

Just one thing I want to ask you.

Do not, if you can, go back on what you always said.

Whatever happens, be my friend,

I wouldn't for anything in this world want to lose that privilege.

Always, Nevenka.

Ismael,

Carmen gave me these documents to sign,

but I don't want to sign something I don't know what it is.

Read it.

You wrote me a letter and this is the response. Read it.

Now?

Read it.

Read it, I said!

Why do you write to me? Why do I write to you?

What is all this?

Is this something? Is it nothing?

Five days ago, it was love without demands for the future.

At any rate, powerful love in the present.

Now, what the hell is it?

What the hell is it?

Ismael, I can't accept this.

What's wrong?

Can't I offer gifts to my best councillors?

That's what I was trying to tell you, I can't carry on with this.

I'm not sure what I feel.

You don't need to be sure about anything.

We're together, we have a good time.

We go to bed for a while and that's it.

But I just can't, I'm not like that, Ismael.

I can't if I don't know what I feel, if I feel nothing.

You don't have to feel anything.

Ismael, I just can't.

Of course you can, but you're very silly, Quenka,

and you don't know what's good for you.

You're forgetting my letter.

Cut the crap.

Sign those documents, I've already approved them.

Neve! Hi there!

Lucas here!

Look, we're meeting up all the UNI gang, in Madrid

and well, just in case you fancy coming, I'd really like to see you.

Ok, just let me know. Kisses.

We're going to vote on raising water rates with Ferroser.

Daniel's just included it, he says it's very important.

How can he add this to my commission without saying anything to me?

-Where's Daniel? - He's not in today.

Let's go.

Ismael, this report is negative. I don't know what I'm supposed to vote.

Nothing to do with me. Ask Daniel.

Daniel's not in today.

The press are already here.

Don't make them wait.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Point 3, the proposal from the Finance Commission

regarding raising water rates with Ferroser.

Votes in favour?

Votes in favour?

Votes in favour?

I propose postponing the vote.

There is no legal report,

therefore, till our legal department

does its appraisal, there can be no vote.

Voting is postponed

pending the relevant legal report.

-Neve. -Lucas.

-I thought you weren't coming. -How's it going?

I can't believe it!

-How great! -So good to see you.

Tell us all about it, come on.

Wao! You're in the City Council.

Yes, I'm in the City Council. As Finance Councillor.

Bloody hell!

What kind of budget we're talking here?

Well, 600 million.

Don't know why you're all so surprised.

We all got through Uni thanks to her notes.

Especially you, right?

If I charged you for all those hours of Stats, I'd be a millionaire.

Hey, but I made up by inviting you to the cinema

and with the odd gin and tonic.

Now, yes.

What's the matter?

I don't know.

I wasn't...

I wasn't expecting this.

Weren't you?

No.

-Hello. -Good morning.

Hi, Adela. Good morning.

Hi, good morning.

Here is all the info for the visits.

Perfect, thanks.

If that's alright with you, I'll start giving them all appointments.

Yes, please.

Ismael says he's waiting for you for coffee.

Ok.

DON'T GET TOO CLOSE, IT MAKES ME NERVOUS...

Hi, good morning.

Your coffee's gone cold. I'll order you another one.

No need to.

How did it go in Madrid?

-David, a coffee, please. -Right away.

You look tired.

Yes, I'm not sleeping well.

Look, Ismael, I've been looking at what I talked to you about,

the unpaid rubbish collection bills.

Forget about that, we'll look at it in my office.

What you need is some loving, but since you won't let me.

If these aren't work breakfasts, as you always say,

I don't know what I'm doing here, I've already had coffee in my home.

What's wrong, Quenkina?

-Here you are. -Thanks.

Why are you angry?

I don't like you sending me messages, or leaving me notes.

What notes?

Those.

Just kidding, sweetheart.

I don't find it funny.

You can't take a joke.

Can't say anything to you.

Friends make jokes.

We're friends, aren't we?

"Whatever happens, be my friend.

I wouldn't want to lose that privilege for anything in the world".

You said that to me.

What's all about this unpaid stuff? Let's see.

I don't get what's the bloody rush, anyway.

I've been looking at it

and I reckon we can link unpaid rubbish bills with land registry fees.

Look where I have to put my hands when I'm near you.

How much is that, David?

-All taken care of, Ismael. -Thanks.

We can go through that in my office.

You explain to me.

See you later.

Bye.

-Bye, Nevenka. -Bye.

Come on then, explain the land registry part.

Ok.

Well, I've had a good idea, it's really very simple.

Crossing data, I've seen that

linking rubbish collecting dues with land registry data

we'd actually collect 40% more. See?

Is very straightforward.

What do you want?

Want me to take a box of pills?

To end it all because of you?

What do you want?

Of course not, Isma. No.

What the hell do you want, Quenka?

-Nothing. -Explain to me.

What's wrong?

I'm not touching you.

I'm not going to do anything to you. Open the door if you want, go.

What am I going to do to you here?

Go.

Go, I said!

Hysterical, that's what you are.

10, 85, 50, 15...

And the bloke of The Little Corner?

No, not for him.

He didn't give anything.

Fuck him, that'll make him learn.

Besides, we don't want to grant any more licenses.

Three is enough.

I know that man. He has a family business.

-You can't refuse a license for no reason. -What else?

-Look, Nevenka... -What else?

The sports complex.

We won't be on time for the inauguration, and it's been announced.

No worries if it's not in the press.

Call Emilio.

You didn't like it?

Yes, but I'm not very well.

Emilio. Emilio.

Juan, here, from the City Council.

What date did we give you for the sports complex?

What? Fuck.

It's up for the front page!

Fuck! How did he know?

What do I know? Good news just flies!

Emilio, my man!

You're fucking kidding!

Don't run it!

Good, ok.

What about Pedro's son's wedding?

What about it?

It's in Logroño?

He's a councillor.

We've all got to be there.

Ismael, I have a wedding that day.

I'll talk it over with Alicia and I'll go.

We are all going Mario, Daniel, Nevenka and me.

I hardly know him.

The four of us go.

I had to be at his disposal 24/7.

His first call every day was to me, and he'd call me another 20 times.

We don't have any log of this calls.

Apart from the notes,

did anyone ever see or hear all this?

Almost everything happened when we were alone.

In your circle, did you tell anyone?

I mean... what was I going to say?

They had warned me.

I'd asked for it.

And I thought I could deal with it on my own.

Until the general elections...

when my parents found out.

-Can you see well from here? -Hold on.

Maybe right in front of the screen is fine.

We're going to ask you a few questions, ok?

No problem.

Is the kind of things we do here

what keeps everything going.

But Madrid doesn't give us credit for it.

She's from the News Bulletin, right?

-Then COPE Radio, then more interviews. -Ok, thanks, Adela.

Marisina?

-Tell her to come. -Ok, we are ready.

-Tell her to come. -We're ready here, please.

Just there, right in front the camera.

That's it, exactly, great.

-Are you sure? -Yes.

He's waiting for you.

I've already done my interviews. I'm leaving.

Nevenka, go.

Mari, it's the same as always, he doesn't want to understand,

it's over.

Ok, it's up to you.

Tell him I'm tired, ok?

We're going to carry on doing things properly, but now with a majority.

-Thanks very much. -Thank you.

What a night, everyone's here.

Martin, what a great night.

The people from Regional came, I need to introduce you to them.

You can't leave without me introducing you.

I'm a bit tired, really.

Ismael, finally. Have you got a moment?

For you, always.

They say the name of Ismael Álvarez is on everyone's lips in Madrid.

There aren't many mayors as popular as you.

Are we going to see you soon in Madrid?

There's still a lot to be done here.

I owe everything to the people who trusted in me here.

Stay!

Perhaps later on.

Later on, who knows?

-Who knows? -Thanks.

Juanito. Quenka?

Mayor, absolute majority, how do you plan to celebrate?

With all the champagne we can!

All the City Council can afford.

Juanito.

Thank you.

What the hell are you doing calling my parents

like I was some little girl?

What's this about me being irresponsible, that you're going to fire me?

You've been a bitch to me

and I'll be a bastard to you.

What are you doing? What are you doing?

Look how you have me!

-Ismael. -Look how you have me!

Ismael, please.

Ismael. Ismael, please.

Ismael, please.

Please, Ismael. Stop, please.

Ismael, stop!

You must be doing something bad if they want to fire you!

They can't be making it up.

THE MAYOR'S SPARKLING NEW RIGHT HAND

I'm not doing anything bad, it's nothing to do with that.

What is it then? I'm all ears.

Well...

It's just that...

I had a relationship with him.

You slept with him?

You slept with Ismael?

I told you eh?

To be careful, he was a womaniser.

Did I tell you or not?

How could you get into something like that?

I didn't want to. I swear.

I really don't know how it happened.

Let me get my hands on him. I?ll beat him up!.

You?ll beat up the mayor, Give us a break!

I told you, Nevenka.

Fucking hell!

I'm sorry, so sorry.

If you're into the older guys why not head up to the retirement home!

That's enough, ok? Enough.

It didn't last long.

He insisted so much, but not me.

I realised immediately I didn't want to...

I broke it off, and now he won't leave me in peace.

Just tell him you don't want anything with him and that's it,

you're not a little girl.

I've told him, but he says I provoke him.

Don't talk to him, don't smile, you know how to be in your place!

It doesn't matter what I do, dad.

Be straight and blunt, and that's it.

And he'll understand, like we all understand.

If he doesn't like it, and you have to put up with him for a while, just do that.

Listen you two, please.

I want to leave, but in a good way.

They can't say I'm incompetent, because I'm not.

They can invent something,

like I can't balance my auditing internship

and City Council duties, whatever.

But they must give me a dignified way out.

Because I'm not inept.

If not, I'll go to the press and tell the truth.

The press?

Are you off your head?

Can you imagine the scandal?

What do you want? To ruin our lives!?

We're talking about 30 or 40 000 euros.

That's nothing.

I'm not asking for millions!

You know I can't. There are certain expenditure caps...

I'm fucking fed up of expenditure caps!

Can't you just be helpful, instead of getting in the way all the time?

I'm just doing my job.

-Are you leaving? -I'm sorry.

Very well.

Be prepared for the consequences, Carmen.

I can't stand this woman. Bitch.

Sorry, I didn't get the news about the meeting being brought forward.

Last night, a problem came up and we kept calling you.

But your phone wasn't on, for a change.

Carry on, go ahead.

Ok, we drag out the open air cafes issue as long as possible.

Let them go hard on that.

Then, we end the session there.

I'd like to suggest changing the wording.

There's no time for that.

-I don't think is clear. -Didn't you hear me?

There's no time for that.

Let's go.

I think it's unfair that some are more expensive than others

depending on their category.

It's not that at all.

Precisely, the whole point of this ammendment...

The intention of this government is to reduce the rates

by half in all categories.

I think the problem is the way the amendment is worded.

Yes,

indeed, it is badly worded.

Make a note for a rewrite

so our position on this is made clear.

Shall we take a vote?

In favour?

Against?

Abstentions?

Passed by majority.

Absolutely.

This is a piece of shit.

You're incompetent and useless.

Not only is she disrupting Ismael.

She's not doing her job well.

She's not delivering, she's incompetent.

She hasn't been up to it.

No one in the group wants her to stay.

Mario, we were counting on you.

You all need to come up with a good excuse

so she doesn't look bad.

Otherwise she says she's going to the press to tell them everything.

And she has a letter, from him, to prove it.

Paquita.

The person with the most to lose here

is her.

Have you thought of her reputation?

What did he say?

They're going to make your life hell.

Ismael.

Ismael, what the fuck?

Come in.

Sit down.

I'm leaving.

Let's think carefully what we're going to say and I'll leave quietly.

I don't want any scandals.

Let's end this well, and that's it.

Sit down, please.

We need to talk.

No, there's no need to talk about anything.

I know I've been a prick.

I lost it

and I'm sorry I made you go through this.

I ask you please to forgive me.

To stay.

No, I really think it's best I left.

Quenka, please.

I understand you feel awful.

But I promise I won't ever again

let personal stuff get in the way of our work together.

I've been immature and a fool.

I can't carry on like this, Ismael.

You haven't accept we broke. You treat me badly,

and that seeps through to the others.

Really, really,

I think it's best I left.

Don't do this to us, Quenka.

This City Council needs you.

I need you. You're doing a very good job.

You're a great professional and it wouldn't be right

for you to lose your job because of what happened between us.

I'd never be able to forgive myself.

But if my presence affects you so much, it's impossible to work.

It's true I've felt abandoned.

I won't lie to you.

I'm really on my own.

I'm fucked up.

But I'm a big boy now.

I know how to take no for an answer.

I'm really sorry all this has happened. I swear it won't happen again.

I beg you please to forgive me.

And apologise to your parents on my behalf.

And when the others see that things are fine,

they'll be nice to you again.

I stayed.

I don't know...

I don't know why.

Deep down I...

I knew...

all that wasn't true.

I knew he wasn't...

I knew he was lying.

I don't understand why...

why I didn't leave.

I don't understand why I did so many things.

It's like...

it wasn't me...

I don't recognise myself.

Sometimes I think...

I'm mad.

Am I mad?

You made a very difficult choice.

Have you thought of your options?

Or rather, what were the consequences of each choice?

If you left...

Scandal.

Ruin for my parents.

Or leave with my head down...

like I'd done something wrong.

Staying?

Work like hell, give it my all,

avoid him...

And put up with it.

Are you waiting long?

No.

Where are the others?

Daniel and Mario were also coming.

They chickened out at the last moment. Can you believe that?

We can have lunch at the Parador.

From there to Logroño it's plain sailing.

The wedding's not till seven.

Quenki?

Come on, I'm holding up traffic.

-Your key. -Thanks.

You are wellcome.

-And mine? -There was only one.

We're full.

You could've told me, I'd've looked for something else.

Everywhere's full, because of the fiestas.

Are you going to make a scene?

What's the matter?

You've never shared a room with a friend?

No, it's not that, Ismael, just...

It costs so much just coming here. Why pay for another room?

With public money?

We need to lead by example.

I love you so much, Quenki.

I could help you so much, if you let me.

Workwise it would also go smoother.

But you're so stubborn.

Besides, we've loved each other so much

I can't believe there's nothing left.

If we slept together from time to time there'd be more trust between us.

That's nonsense.

Do you go to bed with Mario or Daniel, for instance?

It's not the same thing, no fucking way.

You're so silly, and immature.

Can't you see this suits you?

We make love from time to time and that's it.

No need to be boyfriend and girlfriend.

Please, I beg you, drop it, please.

Please.

Besides, I'm with someone else.

I don't care about that.

Some face...

What a kill joy.

Bitter woman.

Look.

With what we're going to build in La Rosaleda,

there can be an attic flat for you.

The one you like best, as a prize.

You could have a good life in politics.

A councillorship is nothing compared to how much you can get.

Ismael, please, drop it.

Everyone sleeps around, your father too.

You don't know anything, Quenka.

If you don't change your tune, your life's going to be very tough.

Do you get me or not?

Very tough.

Let's go.

Quenka..

Do you forgive me?

You're so hard.

I'm sorry if I have been a little bit naughty.

I'm sorry, I ask you to forgive me.

Friends forgive each other.

You're very proud.

You're nasty.

You don't know how to forgive.

I don't know why you don't want us to sleep together.

I love you so much.

Quenka.

Don't be so uptight.

Quenka.

I don't get why are they asking for this now.

What are you looking for?

Some paperwork for the City Council I need to submit sudendly.

They didn't ask for it when I asked for the subsidy.

Laura, please, dress! You've been all day in your pijamas.

-How are you? -I'm hangover.

I have already spent that subsidy.

Submit it and that's it.

Ask Quenka to look into it for you.

And we close this plenary session because this is festivity week.

Drinks in the main hall

before we start with the usual bang.

So, as always, have a good time.

Excuse me a moment.

Thanks.

Yes, yes, yes. Fine.

Are you ok? Something the matter?

I don't feel well.

Tonight, the templars are bringing back...

Hang on for a while, then go on home.

...of their existence.

No, I don't feel well.

I can't, I can't, I can't.

Sweetheart, come on, I'll walk home with you after.

Nevenka, you can't miss the banquet because you're sitting next to him.

No, I can't see him, no, no.

No, I can't see him.

No.

Nevenka!

MEDIEVAL MARKET

Come on, thanks very much, eh? Thanks.

What?

No answer.

Call her again.

If there's no answer I'll drag her here myself.

Fucking useless shit!

Neve, open up, it's us.

Are you there, Neve?

Come on, open up.

-Hi. -Neve, at last!

We've been calling you.

Since you weren't answering?

Ah, yeah.

I switched off the phone.

Nevenka,

how long have you been locked away here?

Nevenka.

Have you been eating?

You have to get out of here.

No, no, no.

I can't face him. No, no, no.

Who?

I can't bump into him.

Who can't you bump into?

I can't, they're making my life hell. I can't leave here.

-I can't bump into him. -You can't be alone here.

I can't, you don't understand.

I can't carry on in that job, they set traps for me,

they don't tell me things... I didn't have that report.

Come on, Nevenka, it's just a job.

If you're not ok there, no big deal, you go to Madrid.

It's not even your line of work.

No, but I'm doing it well

I'm doing it well, But they are pressurising me...

Let's go to your parents.

No, no, no, please, please, please.

Not my parents', I can't cause them any more problems.

You can't be here on your own. Come to my place.

Come to mine, my parents would be delighted.

No, please, I don't want to bother anyone.

The only thing I want is to be here, stay here.

-What about Madrid? -No.

Is there anyone in Madrid who can help you?

-I can't. -Your friend Lucas?

I can't.

-No, no, no, Neve. -I can't.

Yes, you can, yes.

Yes, listen to us.

Come, come, come.

-I can't. -Yes, listen to me.

Neve, if you don't want them to see you here, you have to leave.

Go to Madrid, to Lucas' place.

But please, you need help, Neve.

You can't be here alone, you can't.

OK? It's alright.

Take care.

Coffee?

Ok.

Right, fine.

I have some bread. Want some toast?

No, that's fine.

No? Sure?

Where the fuck are you?

Where the fuck are you, you bitch?

Where the fuck have you hidden yourself?

I don't, I don't feel well, Ismael.

You don't feel well, my ass!

Get right here to my office, this minute.

Immediately, do you hear me?

Fucking little shit.

You still haven't learnt that you have to be available 24 hours a day?

How can you let that guy talk to you like that?

Like he were your owner.

No, no. Easy.

Easy, relax. Calm down, calm down.

Breathe, breathe.

Breathe, breathe. Easy.

Easy, breathe.

Breathe, breathe. Fine.

Ok.

For now, I'm putting you on sick leave.

Ok?

No, but...

I haven't been in for days,

I have to go back to work, that's very important.

Let's see now.

From what you say, I think you've been subject to constant stress

due to sexual harassment at work.

You don't need to take a decision now.

But later, you can consider denouncing it.

No, but...

Hang on, that makes no sense.

I'm strong, I don't...

That's got nothing to do with it. It can happen to anyone.

Take this to sleep.

You need to go to your health centre, to be given your sick leave.

You don't understand.

I need to get back to work.

You mustn't go back there.

Really.

This paper is worthless.

It isn't? Why?

I haven't told her all of it.

Not to you either.

What do you mean?

For some weeks I had a relationship with him.

So?

What's that got to do with it?

I told him things.

Neve, you started a relationship,

then decided you didn't want to carry on.

What's the problem?

-Hi. -Hi.

Darling..

How did you get yourself into this state?

Want something to drink?

No, thank you.

What are you doing here?

They've called from the City Council.

You have things to sign, Nevenka.

You have meetings.

I don't have to go, I'm on sick leave.

How can you not go?

Everybody's talking, sweetheart.

From your party, from the PSOE, everybody.

You can't just disappear like that.

They also called from the bank.

The mortgage hasn't been paid.

That's not possible!

-They paid half your salary. -They can't do that.

If you don't go to work, I don't know what you expect.

Mum, I'm on sick leave!

I don't understand what that is. All this harassment talk.

She had a panic attack when Ismael called.

Ismael again?

Wasn't that all clear up with him?

Listen, darling, you are just totally anorexic,

What you need right now is to eat properly.

We are all going to go to the village...

No, no, mum! No!

What I really need is you to understand me!

Alright, that's enough. No.

This is not the way, Nevenka. Enough of this.

You have to resign immediately.

Then, we'll see what we can do with him.

Come on, let's go, I told your father I'd bring you home.

Let's go, Nevenka.

Bloody hell, you tell her too! Can't you see she's not well?

She's ill.

She can't stay here.

Nevenka can stay here all the time she needs.

Please.

Easy.

We'll clear out the flat and come back, even if it's very late.

I don't want to be there.

I've put an ad at the real estate agency.

I've arranged to meet Charo Velasco.

Who?

The leader of the opposition.

The PSOE leader? What are you saying, Neve?

You can't talk with her, they'll eat you raw.

I need time to think, Lucas.

I have to put some order to all this.

Shit!

WHERE IS NEVENKA FERNÁNDEZ? SHE IS AT A REHAB CENTRE.

What the fuck is this?

It doesn't matter, Lucas.

It doesn't matter? He is a son of a bitch!

Never mind.

Wait here for me.

Neve.

Sure you don't want me to go up with you?

No, I prefer to do it alone.

I wasn't sure you would come.

From the Emergency Ward.

Psychiatry.

I know we're not friends, Charo.

Or even well acquainted.

That you're on the other side.

But...

I'm alone, I don't...

I don't know who else to go to.

And what are you going to do?

If your group start calling for me...

I'll have to return.

I'll have to return, be near to him, and I'll die.

Don't worry.

We won't.

You won't be a point of order in the plenary session.

I'll talk with my group.

Sorry...

Don't worry.

Sit down.

What are you going to do?

We've put the flat up for sale and I'm going back to Madrid after this.

No.

I'm not explaining myself well.

Have you thought of denouncing him?

Denounce him?

Ismael?

What do your parents think of this?

My parents don't understand,

they don't want any scandal, neither do I

but I don't know what to do.

He's got them too all under his thumb.

I know, I know. Yeah.

No lawyer here dares to take on Ismael.

But if you decide to take that step we can look for one in Madrid.

I don't have any money for a lawyer, Charo.

No, I've put the flat up for sale and I can't get into more debt.

I'm on my own.

I've only got Lucas and he's got nothing either.

Nevenka, don't worry about that.

How do you know she isn't using you?

Think. Why would she want to help you?

You'll be the useful idiot

to help get rid of the mayor from the opossition.

How do you know she doesn't want to use you?

Because she's a woman.

And a doctor.

And because she understood me.

You can't fucking report him.

No one's going to believe you.

Neve, listen to me, I know what I'm talking about,

I grew up in a world with people like that,

my father works with many men like him.

I'm not saying I'm going to do it. In fact, I don't think I'll do it.

I'm only saying it's worth going to see that lawyer in Madrid

to see what he thinks.

No one's going to know I'm going.

And if he finds out?

If he finds out you want to report him?

Just imagine. What do you think he's capable of?

This is the lawsuit as it stands.

It's credible? Yes.

It is solid?

Not as much as we'd like.

Your testimony is key,

but we have little evidence to go with it.

And barely 4 witnesses, we don't know if they'll dare testify.

We have Charo.

Charo is important, the only one I see reliable

What about Marisina?

We'll see when the time comes, but if we're not sure,

better not to call her.

For example, here's one I think is very clear.

Someone must have seen you that day.

Darling, how are you?

I've called you lots of times and you never answer.

I'm better, mum.

Listen,

I'm going ahead with this, ok?

I know.

Ismael called your father.

And what did he say?

He was very nervous.

He wanted to know what you're going to do, Nevenka.

Tell the truth.

Are you sure, darling?

Can I count on you both?

I need you to testify, mum.

We'll do whatever's necessary.

I'll tell your dad.

If there's no further business,

this session is adjourned...

Well, once again, we need to schedule the Finance Commission session.

Do we shechule it?

-Do we shechule it? -No, we don't.

For the next plenary session then.

-See you in a bit. -Ok.

What's going on, Charo?

I don't know. Why?

Sponge cakes?

I had them here once.

She's not hungry. She doesn't want any.

-Nothing? -No.

We need to talk about one option.

The worst, but it's a possibility.

You have to think the suit may not be admitted

and we don't go to trial.

There, you will be exposed.

Because he would know you brought the suit.

He must suspect you're going to resign,

even that you're going to talk.

But a lawsuit, that's something else.

I don't think he can even imagine that.

But whether it's admitted or not,

he's going to know you've officially reported him as soon as we present it.

The minute we do.

If we go public, you'll be more protected.

But how?

A press conference.

Almost at the same time, and give them no time to react.

A press conference?

There's a female journalist there, I could call her.

No, it has to be something much bigger.

Him being who he is, able to reach everyone, everywhere...

the idea would be that Nevenka Fernández,

Finance councillor, who's been missing for months

reappears in Ponferrada,

calls all the press together and tells them what happened.

Me, in person?

In Ponferrada?

No fucking way, Adolfo!

We need to think what you're going to say,

it has to be brief, without going into details.

No way! No fucking way!

-It's the only way to be protected. -I don't want to hear any more!

Come on, man.

Can I talk with him?

Yes? Ok.

Lucas.

-No fucking way. -We're doing this to protect her.

They'll smash her. And you know that.

What happens if after being exposed like that

this doesn't go forward? Or it does, and we lose.

What the fuck happens to her then?

That doesn't depend on either me or you.

Don't you realise? Look at her.

If we lose, we'll be there to support her.

"Approximately on January, 2000

after making it clear to Ismael again and again,

I wasn't sure about my feelings,

the relationship ended.

It was then..."

"From that moment on, life became hell for me.

My refusal led to harassment.

Nasty comments.

Notes."

-Hello? -Quenka?

How are you?

Honey, what's going on?

Come on, Quenki.

Let's talk, come on.

I only want to help you.

No, Ismael.

Hey, honey.

I am no longer Quenki.

I am Nevenka.

It's all very clear, right?

We go in together, when you finish, you leave

and I stay there taking questions.

You don't answer, not a single one, ok?

Nevenka, this way please.

Nevenka, please.

Nevenka, over here, please.

Nevenka, over here.

Thanks.

-Nevenka. -Nevenka, please.

Nevenka, here, please.

Nevenka, here, please.

Thank you all for coming.

We can start now.

Thanks, thanks, thanks.

Miss Nevenka Fernández

is going to read a statement

and then I'll answer your questions.

Are you ready? OK.

Good morning.

"I've asked you here this morning so you know that I am today

resigning as Finance councillor of the Ponferrada City Council.

I know that in these last few months there have been

malicious rumours and comments about me.

It is all absolutely false.

Never, I repeat, never,

have I taken drugs.

And of course I have never even thought

of joining a sect, as has been said.

The reasons that have kept me away from my responsibilities

which I shall later explain,

can be summed up in one word.

Dignity.

My dignity.

Ever since I was sworn in as councillor

I tried to work and do my best

for this City Council and its citizens.

During the first months, the relationship

with the mayor and my colleagues was smooth,

even, on my part, friendly.

Very soon, the mayor of this city

wanted to go further...

...and after a period of subtle insistence, he achieved that.

Shortly after that

-after making Ismael know... -Your friend...

over and over that I wasn't sure about my feelings,

the relationship ended.

It was from that moment on, life became hell for me.

I have thought long and hard before taking this decision.

I've spent many sleepless nights

trying to find a way to forget what's happened.

But I can't.

Despite knowing

that this decision can make those I love suffer even more,

despite knowing that perhaps the consequences

of publicly denouncing this can mean more lies, and more fear

I am 26, and I have my dignity.

This is the truth.

I owe it to the people of Ponferrada.

I owe it to myself

and to all women who might be going through

what I went through.

Of course, I have already filed a lawsuit

in the Courts.

Thanks for coming and thanks for listening to me.

Let's see, if there was a relationship, how could there be harassment?

Exactly.

What you mean by harassment? Rape?

Can you be more specific as to how he harassed you?

No, no, no. Let's see now, let's see.

These are very serious accusations against the mayor.

I am going to answer the questions.

Wait a minute, please.

Good morning.

I am here to respond

to the accusations made against me.

It is absolutely false.

I am completely innocent,

as shall be demonstrated when the time comes.

I am not going to resign,

because I have nothing to be ashamed of.

A sentimental dispute in Ponferrada,

the town mayor has been accused of harassment.

He's a widower, he had a love story with a councillor,

the same councillor who has filed a criminal complaint against him.

He denies it all.

Nevenka Fernández, she wasn't a member of the party,

she had no previous experience in managing City Council affairs,

which didn't prevent her from rising

to number three in the local council.

...and it's really something what they've done to this poor man.

We've never had a mayor like him.

No one harasses me if I don't let them.

No one.

ISMAEL, WE'LL ALWAYS BE HERE

We know Ismael, personally, as the mayor of Ponferrada.

Personally I think he's a better person than this Nevenka.

I thank the Mayor of Ponferrada, who's with us live.

Good afternoon, Mayor.

Good afternoon, good afternoon.

First of all, how are you? I suppose this must be very though for you.

It makes no sense, if you have a relationship,

there's no harassment, it could be something else, but...

I'm sorry, but that girl

seems very cheeky and ambitious.

Nevenka Fernández.

Nevenka Fernández.

I'll enter the courthouse door with the peace of mind

that comes from having done nothing wrong.

And yet, who's made up for this harm done to me?

Seeing my mother cry. For me? No one can make up for that.

The Nevenka Fernández case.

First, the lady you quote was never a Popular Party militant.

-She represented your party in a council. -It is true that...

...she represented it in a council.

A girl who's a graduate with a master's,

a Finance councillor,

cultured...

Firstly, how can she let herself be harrassed?

And then, how could she take so long to report it?

It's very simple to understand.

In the moment you make a single declaration

your life is no longer yours.

The story may be true, but it's hard to give it credibility.

-Hi. -How's it going?

Come in, come in.

-Great! -Thank you.

You look great.

Yes, I'm fine.

Look, this is what he is going to present for his defence.

Unless he adds some last-minute evidence and it's admitted,

this is his line of argument.

Very weak.

But we can't let our guard down,

because his lawyer is going to try to put pressure on witnesses,

to make you out as false,

a liar, ambitious, a harlot, always making up things, dependent...

Adolfo, I get it.

These are our witnesses.

Marisina's missing.

She is very important, I told her lots of things.

Nevenka. Marisina's going to testify for him.

No way!

Well, let's carry on, ok?

And these are his witnesses.

They won't all appear.

Many of them will back out, I hope.

These are from the City Council

and can't say anything bad about me.

These...

They're all going to lie, for sure.

There's nothing we can do there.

And yours?

Your names?

Are you sure?

I want to take Natalia and Sandra out of this.

No.

I can't do this to them.

I trust them fully, but I can't.

You can't afford to lose witnesses.

You're almost the only one.

They've ruined my parents, Adolfo.

Took away all their subsidies.

They're selling everything.

I know. I've spoken with them.

Don't remove your friends, please.

No, I can't.

No, Natalia's just opened a business.

The building belongs to the City Council

and Sandra's just had a baby,

I can't ruin the lives of more people.

If I can talk without freezing up,

if I really manage to say what happened

and they listen to me

they will believe me.

And I'll have won, Adolfo.

I'll have won.

Today in the High Court of Justice of Castile-Leon the trial against

the mayor of Ponferrada began.

A former councillor, Nevenka Fernández,

accused Ismael Álvarez of sexual harassment.

BURGOS, HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF CASTILE-LEON

Ismael.

Ismael, anything you need we are here to help.

-Can you come with me, please? -Of course.

Look, follow me. We have a room for you.

-What? -How are things?

Tough this year's league, eh?

Some years are more difficult than others.

-It's always the same. -Well.

-Good morning. -You're going down, eh?

Good morning.

-Let's see how it goes. See you there. -Ok.

So, Mr. Attorney.

-There isn't much to this, is there? -Well.

You really reckon we'll be here two weeks?

This'll be done and dusted in one morning.

-You'll see. -Well, I don't think so, Mr. Prosecutor.

I intend to dig deeply into things.

Give me a break. There really isn't much to this.

There isn't, simply isn't.

I've booked into a hotel for the entire week.

Shall we go?

What has driven Miss Fernández to do this?

I can't understand.

Jealousy perhaps, immaturity.

She told me she was in love.

And I can prove it.

And now this?

I've only ever been nice to her, when we were together and after that.

I never ever said a bad word.

I always was respectful, infinitely so, always.

May I?

Ok, eh...

Can you explain the reason for all these calls?

Dozens every day.

Calls to someone in my close circle, in my trust.

The intensity of work together.

That means calls at any hour, even weekends.

Being a councillor, as she was, entailed availability at all times,

having to attend many extraordinary events.

Saturday, April 17,

messages at 8.01 pm, 8.04 pm, 8.10 pm, 8.11 pm, 8.14 pm,

calls at 9.30 pm, 9.34 pm, 9.52 pm,

and well after midnight that same day, the calls continued.

July 12, 11 messages.

July 22, 14 messages.

September 22, 20 calls, 14 messages.

I don't think that's normal work procedure.

I'm more inclined to think that this list of calls

points to what may be deemed hounding,

permanently, on your part, Mr Álvarez.

Look, if we analyse meticulously

all the behaviour from the beginning, hers and mine,

if indeed there was harassment, it would be the other way round.

Nevenka harassed Ismael.

Did she ever feel bad or tense at any time?

She was delighted to get into politics when we suggested it to her.

She was all for it and working conditions seemed fantastic to her,

and excellent conditions they were indeed.

We supported her constantly.

We were aware of her lack of experience

and only ever gave her all our support.

At work, she was a disaster.

She often came in late, missed appointments.

Lately, it was impossible to reach her.

Till she disappeared, without any explanation.

At times, she'd make a mountain out of a molehill,

but well, she was the spoilt little girl.

No one treated her differently when they broke up.

And I didn't see harassment or any councillors treating her badly,

Ismael neither.

I don't know, he was normal to her, like a person.

Well, probably the opposite.

She kept saying she was very much in love

because he treated her like a queen.

So you didn't see anything strange after their relationship ended.

Well,

in fact yes.

Jealousy on her part.

No further questions.

You were good work colleagues.

Miss Fernández vouched for you

even as vice-president of the Institute for Employment

when she was Finance Councillor.

Right?

She was quite close to you.

She told you lots of things.

Even personal things.

I've said all I know.

Several relatives of yours are employed in the City Council.

How many exactly?

Four. Four.

No further questions, Your Honour.

Nevenka, Nevenka!

Lucas, go in through that door.

We need to go in now.

He is inside.

Don't worry. I'll go with you.

He can't look at me.

He doesn't dare look at me.

Notes, phonecalls, messages...

He aggressively despised my work.

I hadn't realised the rooms were connected

and suddenly he came in.

But didn't you say there was just one room?

No, that was in Logroño, the day of the wedding.

This was on another trip, to Valladolid.

He came in suddenly, and I told him to leave,

that I was very tired.

And...

He told me that friends

could spend a little time together after work.

I lay down in one of the beds and he lay down beside me.

And I...

I couldn't move.

And why didn't you leave?

Because I couldn't move.

What prevented you?

You just get up and walk out the door.

I couldn't move.

He was there beside me and I wanted to go, but he was there.

-And I couldn't move. -Why did you stay there?

Why did you go through that ordeal?

That suffering you've been telling us all about all day.

You've burst into tears so many times.

You didn't have to put up with all that.

You're not just a supermarket attendant being groped by her boss

who has to take it

because her children's bread and butter are at stake.

My dignity was at stake.

Your dignity?

My dignity was at stake.

What dignity are you talking about?

They wanted me to leave, as if I had done something bad,

like I was incompetent.

I couldn't allow that.

One leaves if one has dignity and then reports it.

-Adolfo, stop this. -Wait.

Stop it.

That's what I did.

Yes, but not when you were going through all this suffering you've told us about.

That ordeal, those awful trips.

You waited months after that happened.

I remind the prosecutor

that Miss Nevenka Fernández is not the defendant here.

No, no, it's just my way of speaking.

Any more questions, Prosecutor?

That's all.

Any question, Attorney?

No further questions, Your Honour.

You've finished your testimony, Miss Fernández.

You may step down.

Really very good. You were great.

I am very proud of you.

Very good. That's it.

You can go now.

I'll call you later.

How could you not say anything Adolfo?!

That was the best possible ringside seat to harassment.

Thanks.

Nevenka, please, any...

Nevenka, please,

what would you say to women

who are in the same situation you lived through?

Don't be silent,

speak out.

Nevenka, please, any...

ISMAEL ÁLVAREZ WAS FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND FINED 6,840 EUROS

AND 12,000 EUROS COMPENSATION. HE RESIGNED FROM PUBLIC OFFICE.

A YEAR LATER, IN 2003,

THE SUPREME COURT RATIFY THE SENTENCE.

ISMAEL ÁLVAREZ WAS THE FIRST POLITICIAN IN SPAIN

TO BE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL HARRASSMENT.

IN 2011 ISMAEL ÁLVAREZ RAN FOR ELECTIONS AGAIN

WITH AN INDEPENDENT PARTY, IAP, WHICH WON 5 COUNCILLORSHIPS.

AFTER THE TRIAL, NEVENKA FERNÁNDEZ

COULD NOT FIND WORK IN SPAIN AND HAD TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY.

TODAY SHE LIVES WITH LUCAS AND THEIR CHILDREN

SUCCESSFULLY PURSUING HER PROFESSION.