A new scandal is erupting in Spanish political circles: Francisco Salazar, once a close ally of Pedro Sánchez, is set to testify in the Senate in connection with the Koldo case. His appearance coincides with the election campaign in Aragón, adding a sharp edge to the situation. The decision to question him was made by the Partido Popular (PP) faction, which holds a majority in the upper house of parliament. Salazar, who was expelled from the ranks of the socialists last summer following a series of sexual harassment accusations, is now at the center of an investigation that could reach the highest levels of power.
Questions to Salazar concern not only his personal actions but also his role in an alleged corruption scheme involving former high-ranking PSOE members. In particular, the investigation focuses on José Luis Ábalos and Santos Cerdán, who are already defendants in a criminal case. Partido Popular insists that Salazar must reveal details that could shed light on how this network operated and who else may have been involved.
Political context
The 28th PP Interparliamentary Meeting is currently underway in A Coruña, bringing together deputies and senators from across the country. Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo is using the forum to showcase strength and unity ahead of the new electoral cycle. The focus of the discussions includes not only election strategy but also issues related to regional funding. Feijóo has pledged that if he leads the government, he will reform the distribution system of funds between the regions within a year.
Miguel Tellado, the general secretary of the PP, has made no secret of his criticism of the Socialists’ actions. According to him, Sánchez now sees parliament as an obstacle rather than a democratic tool. In this context, Salazar’s summons to the Senate becomes more than a legal move—it is part of a larger political game where voter trust and control over key regions are at stake.
Investigation details
The Koldo case commission is examining contracts, licenses, and other dealings linked to Koldo García Izaguirre, the former adviser to Minister Ábalos. Investigators are seeking to determine how state resources may have been used to benefit individuals and companies, as well as which officials were involved in these schemes. There is particular scrutiny on the connections between those implicated and their roles within the government and party structures.
Salasar, despite the accusations against him, remains a key witness. His many years working in Sánchez’s headquarters and participation in election campaigns make him a valuable source of information for the investigation. The Partido Popular believes that he can shed light on how decisions were made and who may have covered up possible violations.
Impact on the elections
Salasar’s hearing in the Senate is scheduled on the eve of the elections in Aragón, where the socialists are betting on Pilar Alegría, the former minister and ex-government spokesperson. The sudden reappearance of a figure linked to major scandals could significantly influence voter sentiment. Last November, media published a photo of Alegría having lunch with Salasar. Afterwards, she had to issue a public apology, and the PSOE leadership admitted mistakes in handling the accusations against the former ally.
Internal party disagreements and pressure from the opposition forced the socialists to act quickly, but the consequences of the scandal still affect their image. The Partido Popular, in turn, is using the situation to intensify criticism of Sánchez and his team, accusing them of hiding information and trying to stifle the investigation.
Judicial nuances
Interestingly, José Luis Ábalos, one of the main figures in the case, was unable to attend the commission meeting last week. He is being held in pre-trial detention at Soto del Real prison, and the Supreme Court denied his summons, citing the haste of the request by the PP. Nevertheless, the parliamentary group does not rule out a renewed attempt to question him.
This entire story is not just another episode in the struggle between parties. It highlights how closely personal connections, political interests, and judicial processes are intertwined in modern Spain. The question of who controls the flow of public funds remains unresolved, and Salazar’s role is just the tip of the iceberg in this complex game.
