Overview

• Former transport minister José Luis Ábalos and his adviser Koldo García were formally declared investigated by the Supreme Court over alleged bribery and kickbacks in public works contracts.
• The Guardia Civil’s 490-page report alleges Santos Cerdán orchestrated at least €620,000 in illicit commissions and includes recordings and documents from dozens of seized devices.
• Koldo García has indicated he does not plan to implicate anyone above Santos Cerdán, though investigators say higher-ranking officials could still face scrutiny.
• The scandal has deepened rifts within the PSOE, prompting debates over Pedro Sánchez’s leadership and fueling consideration of Salvador Illa as his potential successor.
• The European Commission has raised concerns about the use of EU funds in the contracts under investigation and the PP is holding off on a censure motion while monitoring further developments.