Former Spanish Minister Sentenced to 24 Years for Corruption; Pressure Mounts on PM Sánchez

Former Spanish Minister of Transport José Luis Ábalos, a key figure in Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's political ascent, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for corruption by Spain's Supreme Court. The conviction stems from the awarding of contracts for millions of protective masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, a case that has ignited a major political scandal.

Ábalos was found guilty of belonging to a criminal organization, corruption, embezzlement of public funds, and influence peddling. His former advisor, Koldo García, received a 19-year sentence for the same offenses. Businessman Víctor de Aldama was sentenced to four and a half years, with his sentence suspended after cooperating with investigators. Prosecutors allege Ábalos received personal benefits, including monthly salary supplements and paid vacations, in exchange for awarding mask contracts.

The scandal has reached the highest levels of government. During the trial, Víctor de Aldama claimed that Pedro Sánchez was the leader of the network and that the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) benefited from illegal funding, allegations the Prime Minister has denied. The leader of the opposition Popular Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has called for Sánchez's immediate resignation, stating it is "indecent" for him to remain in office.

This case adds to a series of judicial issues affecting Sánchez's inner circle. His brother, David Sánchez, faces trial for influence peddling, and his wife, Begoña Gómez, is being sent to trial for corruption. Even former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under investigation for alleged influence peddling.

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It is indecent to remain for another minute at the head of the government.