The situation surrounding José Luis Ábalos has become one of the most talked-about issues in Spain. Questions about government transparency, politicians’ accountability, and the consequences of high-profile corruption cases have once again taken center stage. For many Spaniards, this story is not just another scandal but a sign of how quickly the fate of even the most influential figures can change.
Loss of Status
José Luis Ábalos, former minister and one of Pedro Sánchez’s key allies, unexpectedly announced his retirement. The reason was a complete loss of income and social protection after losing his parliamentary seat. In his public statement, Ábalos stressed that he found himself unable to fulfill either professional or family obligations. According to him, after being removed from all parliamentary duties and having his payments suspended, he had no choice but to apply for his pension.
This move became the logical conclusion to a series of events that began when the Supreme Court decided to keep Ábalos in custody. The judiciary considered him a flight risk and rejected the appeal against the preventive measure. As a result, Ábalos was forced to resign his parliamentary seat, which automatically stripped him of immunity and all associated privileges.
Charges and Trial
The main reason for such a dramatic change in the former minister’s life is the investigation into the procurement of medical masks at the start of the pandemic. According to investigators, there were serious violations committed by Ábalos and several other officials when signing contracts with the company Soluciones de Gestión. The anti-corruption prosecutor’s office is seeking a 24-year prison sentence, while opposition parties are calling for even harsher punishment.
The trial for this case has already been scheduled. Although Ábalos is no longer a deputy, the Supreme Court will continue hearing his case, as he lost his status after the legal proceedings began. This means the former minister will not be able to avoid responsibility, even if he tries to exploit legal loopholes.
Consequences for the family
Ábalos does not hide that his decision is related not only to legal issues, but also personal circumstances. Without income or social support, he has found himself in a difficult situation, unable to support his family or pay for legal assistance. In his statement, he emphasized that he has exhausted all possible means of defense and must now focus solely on his own legal defense in court.
On social media, the former minister noted that he tried until the last moment to keep his mandate in order to defend his innocence and right to legal protection. However, after parliament finally stripped him of all rights and duties, Ábalos admitted that remaining in Congress any longer had become pointless.
The Controversial Successor
Adding fuel to the intrigue is the fact that Ábalos’ seat in Congress will be taken by Ana María González Herdaro, the current mayor of Llaurí. In 2021, she was convicted of drunk driving, which has already sparked debates in political circles. Despite her past missteps, González Herdaro has confirmed that she will accept the mandate and become the new Socialist deputy.
Responding to reporters’ questions, González Herdaro stated that the driving incident is part of her personal life and should not impact her political career. However, the public and opposition have already voiced concerns about the appropriateness of such an appointment, considering the ongoing scandal surrounding Ábalos.
Looking Ahead
The saga involving Ábalos and his successor once again raises questions about candidate selection criteria for parliament and highlights how quickly Spain’s political landscape can change. For many citizens, this case serves as a reminder that even the highest offices offer no guarantee of stability or immunity from the law. A high-profile court case lies ahead, promising new details and potentially further twists in the fate of the former minister.
