Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez’s former right-hand man took the stand on Wednesday, April 29th as a key suspect in a corruption trial that has cast doubt on the future of the Socialist-led government.
The trial of José Luis Ábalos is one of several investigations into alleged corruption involving Sanchez’s family members and former political allies, further straining an already fragile minority coalition.
Ábalos—a former transport minister and prominent Socialist figure who helped bring Sanchez to power in 2018—stands accused of receiving kickbacks in exchange for the irregular awarding of contracts for face mask provision during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Supreme Court in Madrid is also hearing testimony from his former adviser Koldo García and businessman Víctor de Aldama, both accused of involvement in the scheme.
Prosecutors allege that Ábalos abused his position to enable Aldama to secure lucrative public procurement contracts, with García acting as an intermediary in murky dealings. In return, Ábalos allegedly received cash payments and favours, which prosecutors say funded a lavish lifestyle, including family holidays and a luxury apartment in Madrid for his former partner.
Prosecutors are seeking a 24-year prison sentence for Ábalos on charges including bribery, embezzlement, influence peddling and membership of a criminal organisation.
