Allies of Pedro Sánchez demand answers after the Supreme Court sentenced José Luis Ábalos and Koldo García. Criticism intensifies as Víctor de Aldama, seen as the key figure in the corruption scheme, avoids prison.
The Supreme Court’s recent verdict in the high-profile corruption case involving former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos has triggered a wave of criticism from government allies, sharply increasing pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The court sentenced Ábalos to 24 years in prison and his former advisor Koldo García to 19 years, while Víctor de Aldama, identified as the main orchestrator of the scheme, received four and a half years but will not serve time behind bars. This outcome has drawn strong objections from Sánchez’s parliamentary partners, who question why the individual described as the “corrupt mastermind” will neither go to prison nor return the stolen funds.
Sumar’s spokespersons, Aina Vidal and Verónica Martínez Barbero, have been particularly vocal, denouncing Aldama’s avoidance of jail and demanding that Sánchez provide a detailed public explanation. Barbero called for the president to use his upcoming parliamentary appearance to address not only the corruption case but also to announce progress on pending legislative reforms, including housing, the so-called ‘gag law’, and working hours regulation. Both Sumar and Compromís representatives have criticized what they see as a double standard in the Spanish justice system, suggesting that political connections influence sentencing outcomes.
Alberto Ibáñez of Compromís, now part of Sumar, highlighted the disparity by comparing the treatment of minor thefts to large-scale corruption, arguing that those responsible for millions in losses escape real consequences. He also urged Sánchez to fulfill promises made in July of the previous year, specifically regarding anti-corruption measures and judicial independence. Agueda Micó, now with the Mixed Group, echoed concerns that the verdict sends a dangerous message to corrupt business figures, and insisted that the government must clarify any links between these cases and the Socialist Party’s finances.
The Galician Nationalist Bloc (BNG) has maintained its support for the government but tied it to the implementation of democratic reforms previously requested in writing. BNG’s Néstor Rego criticized the lack of concrete action against corruption, emphasizing that responsibility requires decisive measures, not just statements. Meanwhile, Podemos has distanced itself from the government, with party leader Ione Belarra stressing that such a severe sentence for a president’s former deputy cannot be treated as routine. She also pointed out the abrupt dismissal of Ábalos in 2021, for which Sánchez has yet to provide an explanation.
Within the Socialist Party, spokesperson Patxi López described the sentence against Ábalos as disproportionate, a view not shared by ERC’s Gabriel Rufián, who instead focused on Aldama’s lack of prison time. Rufián warned that this precedent could encourage others under investigation to cooperate with authorities in exchange for leniency. The opposition Popular Party (PP), through Ester Muñoz, criticized the government’s reaction to the ruling but clarified that a motion of no confidence is not currently planned due to insufficient parliamentary support. Vox, for its part, rejected any coordination with the PP on this issue and accused the government of deflecting blame onto the judiciary rather than accepting responsibility.
Spain has seen several major corruption scandals in recent years, often involving high-ranking officials and complex networks of intermediaries. The Supreme Court’s decision in this case has reignited debate over the effectiveness and impartiality of the justice system, as well as the adequacy of political responses to corruption. The controversy comes at a time when public trust in institutions remains fragile, and calls for transparency and reform continue to shape the national agenda.
