Ex-Spanish minister gets 24 years for corruption

Former Spanish Minister of Transport José Luis Ábalos has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for corruption, marking a significant judicial development in Spain. The conviction, handed down by Spain's Supreme Court, stems from charges of accepting bribes in connection with public procurement contracts awarded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ábalos, a prominent figure and formerly considered a close ally of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, was found guilty along with his former advisor, Koldo García. García was sentenced to 19 years in prison. The case centers on allegations that they accepted illicit payments in exchange for awarding contracts during the health crisis.

This ruling represents the first major conviction within a series of scandals that have affected the current minority socialist-led government. Prime Minister Sánchez himself has not been implicated in the case and has previously suggested that the investigations have political motivations.

The convictions underscore the ongoing scrutiny of public officials and procurement processes, particularly those related to the significant government spending during the pandemic. The case highlights the judiciary's role in addressing corruption allegations within the political sphere.