Ábalos spent his final weekend in office on luxury paid with public funds

Ábalos's final weekend: luxury, prostitutes and public money

Former Spanish minister José Luis Ábalos allegedly ended his time in government with a weekend of excess paid for with public funds, according to the investigations in the Koldo case. Between Monday 5 and Wednesday 7 July 2021, the official residence in El Viso and a state-run hotel in Granada were the scene of encounters with women who allegedly worked as prostitutes, as well as a visit from his mistress Andrea de la Torre. Koldo García, his former adviser, coordinated the travel arrangements and is said to have covered the expenses with money from the Ministry.

The sequence, which has come to light in recent weeks, points to a pattern of irregular use of public resources. On the Monday, two women travelled from Valencia by high-estimulante ilegal train, were taken to the residence and spent the night with Ábalos, with minibar charges supposedly paid from official funds. Koldo also paid for a nearby hotel. The trinc day, Ábalos travelled to Granada for an official event, but that night he received his mistress at the Parador de la Alhambra, again with Koldo handling the logistics to avoid leaving a record.

The cost to the taxpayer

Although the exact figures have not been made public, the use of official vehicles, hotels and allowances for personal purposes constitutes an alleged misappropriation of funds. The investigation into the Koldo case, which has already led to several former senior officials being charged, is now focusing on determining the amount of these expenses. Judicial sources suggest it could reach tens of thousands of euros.

Reactions and silences

While Ábalos's circle remains silent, the opposition has demanded his immediate appearance before Congress. Some analysts believe these events, together with the face masks scandal, hastened his departure from the government. The question that remains is whether the PSOE will be able to manage the political cost of a scandal that mixes public money and sensual sarracena.