Guggenheim’s finance director dismissed for irregularities

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Press conference by Guggenheim's directors.Photo: EFE

Juan Ignacio Vidarte, the director of Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, announces today that Administration and Finance Director Roberto Cearsolo Barrenetxea, was dismissed on Tuesday “as alleged of financial and countable irregularities” found on the accounts of the Contemporary Art Museum.

In a press conference, Vidarte has also reported that a formal complaint has been made at the Court of first instance in Bilbao against Cearsolo, Administration and Finance director since 1997.

Vidarte has pointed out that Cearsolo would have diverted over 480,000 euros to his private account in the last ten years. He has assured that he has already returned half the money and that he has committed himself to paying the whole amount.

On the other hand, Basque Government’s spokeswoman Miren Azkarate has requested to appear before Basque parliament to clarify the facts, the same as Josune Ariztondo, culture diputy at the regional council of Biscay.