Spain PM's ex-top aide tells trial no wrongdoing in mask contracts

MADRID (AFP) — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s former right-hand man on Monday denied irregularities in the purchase of masks during the coronavirus pandemic, in a corruption trial that has rocked the government.

The trial of Jose Luis Abalos is just one of several investigations into alleged graft by the Socialist premier’s family and former political allies that have raised doubts about the minority coalition’s viability.

Abalos, a former transport minister and Socialist heavyweight who helped propel Sanchez to power in 2018, is accused of earning kickbacks for the irregular awarding of contracts for the face masks, which were in high demand and short supply as the Covid-19 pandemic started.

Asked about a contract for 8 million masks allegedly awarded in exchange for commissions, Abalos told the Supreme Court in Madrid that “it was just another contract.”

“It was an odyssey to get masks for all the administrations. At least we were the first ones in Spain to manage to bring them in, and at a price that was well below the average at the time,” Abalos said.

The former minister distanced himself from the purchases and said any problems with the contracts were caused by the urgency of the situation.

“I always said the masks had to be brought in as soon as possible, that they use all means … I have never been part of any procurement body,” he said.

The trial began a month ago and is due to finish on Tuesday. Abalos faces up to 24 years in jail if convicted.

The case has rocked the Socialists’ relations with their far-left junior coalition partner Sumar and an array of fringe and regional separatist parties whose support is essential to pass legislation.

Sanchez’s wife Begona Gomez and his brother David face separate corruption investigations that have maintained pressure on the government.

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By Agence France-Presse