José Luis Ábalos arrives at the Senate, smiling and composed, ready to face questions in the Clara Campoamor room regarding the Koldo case, which involves alleged illegal commissions in the purchase of sanitary materials during the pandemic. Ábalos questions the purpose of the commission, stating that it is a parallel trial that does not respect the principle of innocence. He denies knowledge of any corrupt network and defends his actions during the pandemic, stating that Transport did not pay for materials in advance and only paid upon verification of the quality.
During the interrogation, Ábalos responds to questions confidently, addressing the suspension of his party membership, which he disagrees with. He recounts the desperate efforts made to secure sanitary materials at the beginning of the pandemic and emphasizes that he trusted the subsecretary of Transport with contracts. He acknowledges meetings with businessman Víctor de Aldama, but distances himself from any contracts signed with him. In response to questions about Koldo Garcia’s increased wealth, Ábalos states that it occurred after Garcia left his ministry.
The session also touches on Ábalos’ controversial meeting with the Vice President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, at the airport in 2020. Ábalos explains that the meeting was to ensure Rodríguez did not enter Spain, despite allegations of un-inspected luggage. He dismisses these claims as rumors. The interrogation escalates when questions about Aldama’s involvement in arms trafficking are raised, to which Ábalos expresses surprise. The interrogation by the opposition parties is pointed and critical, focusing on Ábalos’ relationship with Koldo and the Delcy case.
The session concludes with the PSOE spokesperson expressing gratitude to Ábalos for his efforts to secure sanitary materials during the pandemic. An emotional moment is captured when a question about disappointment in Koldo prompts Ábalos to reflect on recent hardships. The PP senators shift the focus to the suspension of Ábalos’ party membership and the alleged connections between him, Koldo, and the Delcy case. Despite the tense moments during the interrogation, Ábalos maintains his composure and thanks everyone for the tone of the discussion.
In the end, Ábalos leaves the Senate room, acknowledging the discomfort of the interrogation but expressing gratitude for the respectful tone of the discussion. The session sheds light on the complexities of the Koldo case, as well as the political implications surrounding Ábalos’ actions during the pandemic. The questioning reveals differing perspectives on the events in question and highlights the challenges faced by public officials in times of crisis. The interrogation serves as a platform for accountability and transparency, providing insights into the decision-making processes and actions of government officials during a time of crisis.
