The investigation commission on pandemic contracts was established in Congress with a seemingly conciliatory message, but with expectations of turning into a political showdown between the PSOE and its allies, and the PP and Vox. The Socialists, Sumar, Podemos, and other government coalition parties are pushing for Madrid’s regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso and her partner Alberto González to testify. The PP wants the focus to be on the Koldo case. The commission’s president will be a Socialist, Alejandro Soler, who will give parties a week to propose witnesses. The commission’s work will be influenced by the upcoming Basque election campaign but the government allies want to start sessions soon to gain political advantage.
The government parties plan to call Isabel Díaz Ayuso and her partner to testify in the commission, as confirmed by spokesperson Íñigo Errejón. Issues may arise with PNV and EH Bildu regarding mixing contentious testimonies with the Basque election campaign. Errejón justified the need for Ayuso and her partner to testify based on allegations of corruption related to privatization of public health services in Madrid. He urged parties to be cautious in their choice of witnesses to prevent the commission from becoming ineffective. Sumar believes Koldo García should testify but is hesitant about calling opposition leader Núñez Feijóo or former Balearic President Francina Armengol.
The Socialist spokesperson Patxi López did not disclose witness names but it is likely that Ayuso, her partner, Koldo García, and regional officials from Galicia, Madrid, and Andalucía will be called. The PP spokesperson, Elías Bendodo, expressed hope for a productive outcome of the commission but did not rule out any specific testimonies, including Ayuso’s. The PP believes the focus should remain on the Koldo case, which they assert has not been fully disclosed. The commission’s direction will be crucial for all parties involved, as it may impact their political standing.
The commission’s short timeframe for witness proposals, influenced by the upcoming Basque election campaign, reflects the urgency of the matter for the government coalition. The intention to call Ayuso and her partner to testify highlights the seriousness of the allegations surrounding pandemic contracts. The commission’s composition and agenda will be pivotal in determining the political ramifications for all parties involved. The potential clash between government allies and opposition parties could escalate the political tension surrounding pandemic contracts and their handling. The outcome of the commission’s investigations could have significant implications for the political landscape in Spain.
