A high-profile corruption trial involving former Spanish transport minister and close ally of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, José Luis Ábalos, opened on Tuesday, further intensifying political pressure on Spain’s fragile Socialist-led coalition. The case has deepened tensions in a minority government that has repeatedly pledged to combat corruption in public life.
Ábalos, once a key Socialist figure and a central architect of Sánchez’s rise to power in 2018, is on trial alongside his former adviser Koldo García. Both are accused of receiving kickbacks in exchange for awarding multimillion-euro public contracts during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly linked to the urgent procurement of sanitary equipment.
The Spanish Supreme Court is hearing multiple charges against the defendants, including bribery, embezzlement, influence peddling, membership of a criminal organization, and misuse of confidential information. Both men deny all allegations brought against them.
Prosecutors are seeking a 24-year prison sentence for Ábalos, describing him as the alleged mastermind of the scheme, while García faces a recommended 19-year sentence as a key intermediary. Businessman Víctor de Aldama is also implicated, with investigators alleging he played a central role in facilitating the contracts and reportedly acknowledging involvement in parts of the case, according to reports.
In court proceedings in Madrid, Ábalos appeared composed as testimony was presented, while García was seen looking down and avoiding eye contact. More than 75 witnesses and around 20 experts are expected to testify in hearings scheduled through April, alongside statements from family members denying wrongdoing.
The scandal has widened political pressure on Sánchez’s government, with further investigations involving former Socialist officials and separate probes into the Prime Minister’s wife and brother. Despite growing opposition calls for resignation and early elections, Sánchez has denied any illegal activity within his party and insists his government will complete its term until 2027.
