Ábalos has admitted that he had a "special connection" with Koldo and has downplayed the importance of knowing Aldama
The former minister has testified as a defendant before the Supreme Court and defended the appointment of the former adviser for his "loyalty."
Former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos has acknowledged in the Supreme Court that he had a "special connection" with former adviser Koldo García and that meeting businessman Victor de Aldama "is nothing to celebrate."
In his statement as accused, Ábalos explained that he appointed Koldo García as an adviser to the Ministry of Transport "to thank him" after having worked as a driver, personal assistant and security officer since he was PSOE's Secretary of Organization.
He has detailed that when he joined the ministry, the "only" way to continue these functions was to join his cabinet team in the free appointment advisory quota.
Thus, he emphasizes that the relationship with the former advisor went beyond the professional field . Ábalos acknowledges that personal proximity created a "special connection", since Koldo García participated in various aspects of his private life, but has stated that he did not share them with other collaborators.
With regard to Victor de Aldama, the former minister has stated that he does not remember exactly when he met him, but believes that the meeting took place in the last quarter of 2018, probably between September and October. He has explained that the presentation organised by Koldo García was "very quick" as he was about to get into a car and has ironically concluded the incident: "There is nothing to celebrate."
The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office requests 24 years' imprisonment for Ábalos, 19 for Koldo García and 7 for Aldama, while popular accusations, led by the PP, have raised the petition to 30 years for the former minister and former adviser.
You might like
Josu Zabala Erasun was remembered in Hondarribia on the 50th anniversary of his death
Josu Zabala Erasun was shot dead by the Civil Guard in 1976 during a demonstration against the kidnapping of ETA member Eduardo Moreno Bergaretxe, 'Pertur'.
A painting against an ertzaina appears near his home in Vitoria-Gasteiz
The Department of Safety and Security has condemned "the threats and threats to the police, which recall past times and attack not only the said officer and the Ertzaintza, but also the foundations of democracy and coexistence".
Agirre has called for a "public repair" of Irura's Bat Palace on the grounds that "progress" is not enough
According to the mayor, for months the debate has gone beyond the legal issue, with very serious accusations being made against the people affected and against the PNV, so he has clearly said that it is not enough to leave what happened behind.
The President has assured us that there is no organized crime in the Basque Country today
Interviewed in the Faktoria programme of Euskadi Irratia, the President of the Basque Government, Imanol Pradales, has pointed out that the murders of recent years are mainly related to the deterioration of personal relations caused by drugs, addictions or gender-based violence, and has stressed that there is currently no organized crime in the Basque Country.
Ernai launches the Francoist cross of Mount Isuskitza
Ernai has shot down and videotaped the 1940 cross on Mount Isuskitza (Álava) in memory of the Franco requetés. The youth organization has claimed that fascism has no place in our country and has called for participation in the demonstration that will take place on 13 September in San Sebastian.
Nora Abete (PSE-EE) presents her candidacy for mayor of Bilbao
The current deputy mayor of the Bilbao City Council and spokesperson for the PSE-EE has explained that his candidacy stems from "proximity, listening and decision-making."
Gipuzkoa's Provincial Council will begin negotiating fiscal budgetary measures next week
Gipuzkoa MP Eider Mendoza has advanced her intention to start a round of talks with opposition groups to begin negotiations on the territory's budgets and some fiscal measures.
The President shall propose economic, self-government and housing agreements in his round of meetings with the parties and social partners
The meetings will take place from 8 to 15 September with the aim of strengthening dialogue and fostering partnerships in a context marked by international uncertainty and the electoral cycle of 2027.
Iker Casanova will again be EH Bildu's candidate for Bizkaia's MP
EH Bildu's Bizkaia Political Bureau believes that baracaldés is the right person to represent the project of left-wing sovereignty.
Zupiria believes that there is no political tint in the recent incidents between young people and the Ertzaintza
The Security Adviser of the Basque Government, Bingen Zupiria, has linked the incidents to young men, the consumption of alcohol and other substances and the "disinhibition" of night leisure. Asked about Ceuta, he regretted that Morocco was not asked to "assume its responsibility".