Overview
- The Tribunal Supremo on Monday unanimously convicted former transport minister José Luis Ábalos and his ex‑advisor Koldo García for corruption in the 'mascarillas' procurement case, sentencing Ábalos to 24 years and García to 19 years in prison while sentencing intermediary Víctor de Aldama to 4½ years with execution suspended for his cooperation.
- Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has opened an oral jury trial for Begoña Gómez, ordering her to surrender her passport, remain in Spain and sign in at court every two weeks under precautionary measures.
- The government and PSOE condemned the conduct found by the courts but criticized the suspension of Aldama’s prison term as unfair, while Justice Minister Félix Bolaños called the measures against Gómez politically motivated and defended her innocence.
- Political fallout will play out this week as Pedro Sánchez is due to answer questions in Congress on Wednesday and lead the PSOE federal committee on Saturday, events that party leaders say will address transparency and party management.
- Multiple related investigations remain active, including probes touching former president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, and the contrast between heavy sentences for officials and leniency for cooperating intermediaries could prolong the crisis and prompt calls for legal and party reforms.