José Luis Ábalos, former Spanish minister, sentenced to 24 years in prison for corruption
The former Transport Minister and key figure in Pedro Sánchez's government has been sentenced for corruption, embezzlement and abuse of power offences in a scheme involving face mask contracts during the pandemic.
José Luis Ábalos, former Spanish minister, sentenced to 24 years in prison for corruption
Former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos has been sentenced on Monday 22 June to 24 years in prison for his involvement in a corruption scheme. The sentence, handed down by a Spanish court, punishes the man who was President Pedro Sánchez's trusted aide for offences including membership of a criminal organisation, bribery, embezzlement of public funds and abuse of power.
According to the investigation, the Socialist politician would have obtained personal benefits in exchange for facilitating million-pound contracts for the acquisition of medical supplies during the Covid-19 health crisis. The favours received included monthly salary supplements, paid family holidays, gifts for his mistresses and even the payment of prostitution services.
This judicial ruling has caused significant shock in Madrid's left-wing executive, which has always presented itself as a defender of honesty in public management. Under pressure from the opposition, the head of government Pedro Sánchez is obliged to appear this Wednesday before Parliament to provide explanations regarding a scandal that casts doubt on the credibility of his administration.
The convicted man, who was one of the principal architects of Sánchez's political rise, denies having committed irregularities and claims to be unaware of the facts he is accused of. Nevertheless, the severity of the sentence imposed and the nature of the offences complicate the position of the Spanish government.
Source: franceinfo
Source: France Info