The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) has submitted a complete set of documents to the National Court detailing all cash payments made from 2017 to 2024. All information was provided in digital format and covers transactions involving party staff, members, and supporters. Party representatives insist that these materials be treated with strict confidentiality, citing the sensitive nature of the data contained.
Earlier, Judge Ismael Moreno demanded that the party disclose details of every payment without distinguishing between recipients. This requirement was put forward after PSOE tried to limit the scope of the data to only those named in the investigation, including former minister José Luis Ábalos, his ex-aide Koldo García, and Santos Cerdán. However, the judge rejected this position, emphasizing that a complete list of all transactions was necessary.
In his ruling, the judge noted that the source of the cash operated by the party’s headquarters still lacks a sufficient explanation. He pointed out that such cash payment practices were not uncommon and expressed concern that these funds could have been used to cover expenses not only for suspects but also for other individuals whose names have not yet been disclosed.
Investigation details
The demand for full disclosure arose as part of the investigation known as the so-called ‘Koldo case.’ Investigators are trying to establish how cash expense reimbursements were made to former minister Ábalos and his aide García. The investigation intensified after Supreme Court judge Leopoldo Puente sent a letter to the National Court at the end of October, raising new questions regarding these payments.
The anti-corruption prosecutor’s office has also become involved, citing the possibility of several criminal offenses. In particular, there are suspicions of money laundering and possible embezzlement of funds that may have damaged the party itself. Investigators do not rule out that the cash payment scheme could be part of a broader system of financial irregularities.
Party position
In its submission to the court, PSOE emphasized that the data provided contains personal and financial information of a large number of people, and therefore insists on reviewing them behind closed doors. The party maintains it is acting fully within the law and is prepared to cooperate with investigators, but demands safeguards to protect the personal data of everyone involved.
Tensions remain within the party: some members of the leadership fear that publishing the information could lead to leaks and damage the organization’s reputation. Meanwhile, representatives of the judicial system are insisting on transparency and full disclosure of all the circumstances of the case.
Reaction and consequences
Public outcry surrounding the investigation continues to grow. The media and politicians remain divided over whether cash payments are acceptable in party operations. Some experts believe the case could lead to stricter oversight of the financial activities of political organizations in Spain.
It is still unclear what conclusions the court will draw from the information provided. The investigation is ongoing, and new details may emerge in the coming weeks. The issue of legality and transparency in PSOE’s financial transactions remains unresolved.
As RUSSPAIN.COM previously reported, the Madrid court had already demanded that the socialists disclose all details of cash payments over the past seven years. At that time, the party attempted to limit the volume of information provided, but the court insisted on full disclosure. Read more about this in our previous report.
