A new phase of the Koldo case investigation is unfolding in the Spanish Senate. Representatives of the People’s Party (Partido Popular, PP) have announced their intention to once again summon the Minister for Territorial Policy and Historical Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, to testify. This will be the fourth time the official is called to the center of senatorial attention.
The new summons comes after fresh evidence provided by the Civil Guard raised doubts about the minister’s previous statements. Specifically, questions have arisen about a possible meeting between Torres and businessman Víctor de Aldama, who is implicated in a case involving the purchase of medical masks during the pandemic. At that time, Torres was the head of the Canary Islands government.
Senators point to discrepancies between the minister’s statements and messages found on the mobile devices of those involved in the case. In one exchange, the businessman introduced himself to Torres and referenced their recent meeting. Although no reply from Torres to this message has been found, investigators suspect discussions may have focused on payments for delivered masks.
The PP insists the minister must clarify the details of this contact, as he had previously denied any personal links with Aldama or involvement in awarding contracts. Now, the opposition believes there is reason to question the truthfulness of his statements.
Minister’s response and new suspects
Ángel Víctor Torres, for his part, has publicly denied all accusations and stated that he had no connection with the mentioned businessman. He also emphasized that the investigation materials do not contain grounds for any case against him. Moreover, the minister plans to sue Aldama for defamation and invasion of privacy.
Meanwhile, PP representatives are expanding the list of people they want to see at the hearings. Among them is the head of the Canary Islands healthcare contracts department, Salomé Ballesteros. In addition, due to questions regarding the financing of Pedro Sánchez’s 2017 election campaign, Bancal de Rosas foundation treasurer Pedro Luis Egea and the former head of the organization, Francisco Martín—now the government delegate in Madrid—have been added to the list of invitees.
Funding questions and new investigations
PP explains that these measures are due to the lack of clear answers regarding possible irregularities in PSOE’s primary election financing. In their view, the prime minister has failed to clearly explain the origin of the campaign funds, and now the details must be clarified with those directly involved in handling the finances.
During the discussion, opposition representatives also recalled the recent Supreme Court decision, which instructed the National Audience to investigate financial payments to former minister José Luis Ábalos and adviser Koldo García. This investigation began shortly after a speech by a senator from the PP, adding more tension to the situation.
Overall, political tensions surrounding the Koldo case continue to rise. Senators do not rule out the possibility of summoning Pedro Sánchez again in the future to answer questions about the party’s internal financial dealings.
