The sudden resignation of former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos has become an unexpected twist for Spain’s political arena and its judicial system. His decision to relinquish his seat in Congress not only sparked a wave of reaction in political circles, but also had a direct impact on the proceedings of one of the most talked-about investigations in recent years—the Koldo case. For many Spaniards, this move signaled possible shifts in the balance of power among the country’s key judicial institutions.
Change of status
Until today, Ábalos retained his parliamentary status, which granted him special protection—known as aforamiento—meaning his legal matters could only be handled by the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo). However, with the loss of his mandate, the former minister forfeits this immunity, and his cases can now be transferred to other courts. This development immediately raised questions about the direction the investigation will take and who will assume a central role in considering these high-profile episodes.
The Supreme Court has long led the main investigation into Ábalos, centered on alleged irregularities in the procurement of masks at the height of the pandemic. Separate proceedings also include suspicions of wrongdoing in the awarding of public works contracts. Now that Ábalos’s status has changed, experts predict the case will be split: the main part concerning mask procurement will remain with the Supreme Court, while the episodes related to construction contracts will likely be transferred to the National Court (Audiencia Nacional).
Two scenarios
Spanish jurisprudence holds that the key moment for determining court jurisdiction is the opening of oral proceedings. In the main case against Ábalos — the mask procurement — this stage has already been reached: as early as last December, Judge Leopoldo Puente referred the case to court, where Ábalos will stand trial alongside his former adviser Koldo García and businessman Víctor de Aldama. This means that even after leaving parliament, the former minister will remain under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court for this episode.
However, the second line of investigation — alleged irregularities in the allocation of construction contracts — is developing differently. Since this case has not yet reached the trial stage, it is likely to be transferred to the National Court. This creates a unique precedent in which the same defendant may simultaneously face charges in different episodes before two separate judicial bodies.
Reaction and expectations
Political and legal circles in Spain have already begun actively debating the consequences of this move. Some believe Ábalos’s resignation is an attempt to ease pressure on his party and reduce political risks. Others see it as a strategic maneuver aimed at changing the course of the investigation and possibly dragging out the process. In any case, attention to the Koldo case has only intensified, and the public is waiting for new details and unexpected twists.
In the coming weeks, a key event will be the preliminary hearing in the Supreme Court, scheduled for February. Ábalos’ defense is expected to challenge the court’s jurisdiction, but experts are confident: the main case will remain with the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the fate of the second investigation will depend on decisions by the National Court, adding further intrigue and uncertainty to an already complex situation.
In the spotlight
The resignation of Ábalos and the separation of the Koldo case have become some of the most discussed topics in Spanish media and on social networks. Citizens are closely following the developments, as not only the fate of a former minister is at stake, but also the reputation of the entire political system. Questions of transparency, accountability, and justice have returned to the forefront, with each new move by those involved sparking a storm of commentary and debate.
While some experts predict a possible acceleration of the investigation, others do not rule out new defendants and unexpected evidence. In any case, the Ábalos case and its consequences are likely to remain in the public eye for a long time, and court decisions could prove pivotal for the future political landscape of Spain.
