In 2025, Spain continues to investigate activities linked to the former Minister of Transport. At the center of attention is Koldo García, who for many years served not just as an assistant but effectively managed all his boss’s financial matters. His role went far beyond the standard duties of an adviser.
In correspondence examined by investigators, numerous messages were found discussing not only work-related matters but also personal requests. For example, what seemed to be a request to bring “folio” was in fact a covert ask for cash. That same day, they also discussed choosing a restaurant for a meeting with a woman referred to as “the Princess” in their messages. For such meetings, they picked venues they frequented, so as not to draw unnecessary attention.
Over the years, the trust between the former minister and his assistant only grew stronger. Koldo started as a driver but quickly became indispensable, responsible for everything from paying mortgages and alimony to buying gifts and booking hotels. He even covered travel and accommodation expenses not only for the minister himself but also for his relatives. In one message, another woman associated with the former minister asked him to pay for a hotel room; afterward, she thanked him for the help and requested that he arrange dinner.
All this activity was accompanied by its own special jargon. Denominations were referred to with words like ‘chistorras’ for 500 euros, ‘soles’ for 200, and ‘lechugas’ for 100. Even the minister’s domestic worker turned to Koldo with questions about her salary when the bank reminded her of an overdue mortgage. These details confirm that the assistant not only organized but also financed many of his boss’s personal expenses.
Koldo’s wife, Patricia Uris, helped manage these affairs. She kept records, made transfers, and even collected receipts from purchases to report back to her husband. Sometimes, disputes arose between them over mistaken transfers, particularly when they concerned the former minister’s children. In one voice message, Koldo reproached his wife for not carrying out a task quickly enough, reminding her that it was an order from ‘the boss.’
The couple also handled the processing of the minister’s expense reimbursements with parliament and the party. To do this, they visited the office on Calle Ferraz, where they would receive envelopes with cash. In correspondence with a party staffer, they discussed the amounts that needed to be collected or handed over.
All these facts formed the basis of the investigation, with the case materials now kept in court. Part of the correspondence was deemed too personal and is accessible only to those directly involved in the proceedings. Nevertheless, it is already clear: Koldo García’s role in the former minister’s life was far more significant than it first appeared.
