The legal proceedings involving José Luis Ábalos and his former advisor Koldo García are approaching their final stage. On this day, both appeared before the Tribunal Supremo, where Judge Leopoldo Puente must decide whether to impose stricter preventive measures. It is possible that the former minister may be taken into custody ahead of the high-profile trial over mask procurement. The anti-corruption prosecutor is pushing for this option to ensure the defendants appear in court.
At the center of attention are the 24 years in prison the prosecution is seeking for Ábalos in the first part of the case related to medical mask contracts. This is even more than for Víctor de Aldama, who has already pleaded guilty. Despite these severe demands, the former minister has so far remained free. Now, however, prosecutors are calling for tougher measures, fearing he might flee.
Meanwhile, a new scandal is unfolding alongside these court hearings. Media reports claim that a secret meeting took place in 2018 between Pedro Sánchez and Arnaldo Otegi in the Basque Country, allegedly with Koldo driving participants to the meeting. The article’s detailed account, which even included a description of the car, sparked heated debate, fueling suspicion that the source may have been the driver himself.
Officials and suspects respond: denials and admissions
The government and those involved responded immediately. Government spokesperson Óscar López dismissed the report as false. Koldo García, on the other hand, confirmed that the trip took place, but declined to say whether he was the source of the leak. Pedro Sánchez issued a categorical denial—standing out in contrast to his more measured comments on other controversial issues.
The situation changed dramatically when José Luis Ábalos posted on social network X, claiming he also knew details of this meeting from people who were present. This move essentially indicated that his source was one of the participants in the secret conversation. His statement sparked a new wave of tension within government circles.
In response to these developments, members of the government and PSOE leadership speculated that Ábalos, under pressure and at his age, might have become confused or made a mistake. However, journalists note that this reaction differs from how other high-profile figures are usually treated.
Ábalos’s background and motives behind his statements
José Luis Ábalos is known for his storytelling and ambiguous remarks. In the past, he has found himself in situations where his statements did not match the facts, whether about travel details or personal relationships. This time, however, the question is different: if the meeting never happened, why are Ábalos and Koldo sticking to this version?
There are several possible explanations. One theory is that this is an attempt to put pressure on Pedro Sánchez by hinting that they are capable of creating serious problems for him if they decide to ‘make up’ something else. Another suggestion is that there are other, more dangerous episodes for those in power that could be revealed if the accused do not receive support or protection.
This turn of events highlights the complexity of the situation for the government. On one hand, it is forced to distance itself from former allies; on the other, it risks facing new revelations if it does not proceed with caution.
Possible consequences and future developments in the case
The Supreme Court will soon decide the future of Ábalos and García. If the judge sides with the prosecution, the former minister could be remanded in custody until the trial begins. This would be an unprecedented move for a politician of his stature in Spanish politics.
Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation, fearing further leaks and scandals. Public interest is growing in the details of the case, as well as in the potential political consequences for the ruling party. The question of how far the investigation might go remains open.
The saga of masks and secret meetings has already become one of the most talked-about topics in Spain. It touches not only on issues of corruption but also on the inner workings of power and the relationships between former and current politicians. More hearings, statements, and possibly new revelations lie ahead.
