The back and forth between the Socialists and the Popular Party regarding investigations into mask contracts promises new episodes. The PSOE called the president of the Balearic Islands, Marga Prohens, to the investigative committee of the Congress on Monday in an attempt to show that the claim made by the former socialist president, Francina Armengol, for 2.6 million euros to the company involved in the mask scandal, Koldo, was allowed to expire. In response, the PP announced that they will bring Armengol to the Senate committee next week, accusing her of lying during her testimony in the lower house on the 13th. Prohens arrived with a smile, greeted the socialist MPs warmly, and immediately accused the PSOE of creating confusion and distraction. She argued that her government decided not to pursue the claim from Armengol’s administration due to its “weakness” and lack of full repayment of the 3.7 million euros paid for the masks.
The investigative committee had a busy day, with sessions in the morning and afternoon, starting with the Director General of the Health Service of the Balearic Islands, Javier Ureña, who detailed the case following the PP’s assumption of government in 2023. The previous administration had requested the return of 2.6 million euros from the company for inferior quality masks with a significant delay. Ureña admitted signing a resolution in August assuming previous actions that he was unaware of, as no one had informed him during the transition of power. The company provided explanations and even inspected the warehouse where the masks were stored in Mallorca. The case only gained attention after the National Court ordered arrests on February 21, prompting the government to make two new claims based on the company’s mismatch with the contract’s nature, similar to many others signed during the pandemic.
Despite the National Court claiming the claim was expired, Prohens referenced a Consell Consultiu report stating an extended deadline of eight months. The socialist lawmaker and members of the commission tried to corner Prohens using judicial wiretaps where individuals in the scheme boast about stopping the new Balearic government. Prohens and Ureña vehemently denied any pressure from the company. Prohens raised suspicions about Armengol, referencing a private meeting between the former president and the Minister of Transport, José Luis Ábalos, believed to have involved the advisor Koldo García. This revelation was met with enthusiasm from the PP lawmakers.
The meeting between Armengol and Ábalos at the Balearic government headquarters raised concerns among lawmakers, with accusations of lies and potential illegal actions. The PP coordinator denounced Armengol’s alleged falsehoods as a crime after the session. The ongoing investigation into mask contracts and potential corruption continues to draw attention and spark political tensions between the socialist and popular parties. The accusations and counter-accusations surrounding the handling of mask contracts and interactions with individuals involved in the scandal highlight the complexity and significance of the issue. Further revelations and testimonies are expected as the investigations progress.
