Pedro J. publishes photo of Ábalos's companion
Pedro J. releases the first clear image of José Luis Ábalos's companion in Spain. Intercepted UCO chats reveal complaints about her Ineco salary deductions.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Ábalos's companion revealed
The first clear image of the person accompanying former Spanish Minister José Luis Ábalos on official trips was published by Pedro J. Ramírez, sparking reactions ranging from public spending analysis to crude comments on appearance. The photo, circulated like an ID portrait, has refocused attention on the Koldo case and who paid what within the scheme investigated by the National Court. A key detail: a conversation intercepted by the UCO (Civil Guard Central Operational Unit) where the young woman complains about tax withholdings on her Ineco salary, using derogatory language against "communist reds."
Who she is and why her salary matters
Named Jesica, she is identified as the then-minister's partner and hired at Ineco, the state-owned engineering firm under the Ministry of Transport. According to El Español, one intercepted message shows her complaining about wages and deductions. The recipient of this complaint, per reports, is Koldo García's brother.
This episode highlights economic issues: a state company, a position without known public tender, and remuneration reportedly exceeding €60/hour. This figure is significant in a country where average annual gross salary is around €27,000. Some argue the scandal isn't the salary itself but the mechanism: placing someone in a technical engineering firm without verifiable profile or competitive process. Others note Ineco hires hundreds annually, not all through open competitions.
The undisputed calculation: €6,000 monthly
The most cited figure is €6,000 per month, forming the basis of the case. For a minister with power over public contracts, the question isn't affordability but funding source. Analysis suggests it came from public funds. The full cost breakdown—housing, travel, security—is surprising even to those trinc the case closely.
Two distinct issues are often conflated: the legality of Ineco hiring versus the ethics of a senior official maintaining a relationship with someone placed in a supervised state entity. The former is under investigation; the latter requires no judge—it is judged by voters and history.
Appearance as distraction
Much public discourse focused on the subject's looks, age, or alleged previous profession, overshadowing contract analysis. This pattern diverts attention when facts are uncomfortable. The flat-lit, ID-style photo fueled trivial commentary.
However, intercepted material reveals a more substantive angle: ideological contradiction. Someone benefiting from public structures bitterly complains about fiscal withholdings imposed by those same structures. While not new, this paradox is well-documented here.
An uncited precedent
This case connects to broader debates on using state companies for nepotistic hiring. Founded in 1968, Ineco historically trained civil engineers. Its name now linked to opaque hiring signals systemic issues rather than isolated incidents. Questions remain about how many similar cases exist and who appointed them.
Investigation continues. No conviction, sentence, or formal charge exists against the young woman, who is not accused based on published information. Only the photo, name, and publicly funded salary are confirmed.
Key Data
The first clear image of the person accompanying former Spanish Minister José Luis Ábalos on official trips was published by Pedro J. Ramírez, sparking reactions ranging from public spending analysis to crude comments on appearance. The photo, circulated like an ID portrait, has refocused attention on the Koldo case and who paid what within the scheme investigated by the National Court. A key detail: a conversation intercepted by the UCO (Civil Guard Central Operational Unit) where the young woman complains about tax withholdings on her Ineco salary, using derogatory language against "communist reds."
Who she is and why her salary matters
Named Jesica, she is identified as the then-minister's partner and hired at Ineco, the state-owned engineering firm under the Ministry of Transport. According to El Español, one intercepted message shows her complaining about wages and deductions. The recipient of this complaint, per reports, is Koldo García's brother.
This episode highlights economic issues: a state company, a position without known public tender, and remuneration reportedly exceeding €60/hour. This figure is significant in a country where average annual gross salary is around €27,000. Some argue the scandal isn't the salary itself but the mechanism: placing someone in a technical engineering firm without verifiable profile or competitive process. Others note Ineco hires hundreds annually, not all through open competitions.
The undisputed calculation: €6,000 monthly
The most cited figure is €6,000 per month, forming the basis of the case. For a minister with power over public contracts, the question isn't affordability but funding source. Analysis suggests it came from public funds. The full cost breakdown—housing, travel, security—is surprising even to those trinc the case closely.
Two distinct issues are often conflated: the legality of Ineco hiring versus the ethics of a senior official maintaining a relationship with someone placed in a supervised state entity. The former is under investigation; the latter requires no judge—it is judged by voters and history.
Appearance as distraction
Much public discourse focused on the subject's looks, age, or alleged previous profession, overshadowing contract analysis. This pattern diverts attention when facts are uncomfortable. The flat-lit, ID-style photo fueled trivial commentary.
However, intercepted material reveals a more substantive angle: ideological contradiction. Someone benefiting from public structures bitterly complains about fiscal withholdings imposed by those same structures. While not new, this paradox is well-documented here.
An uncited precedent
This case connects to broader debates on using state companies for nepotistic hiring. Founded in 1968, Ineco historically trained civil engineers. Its name now linked to opaque hiring signals systemic issues rather than isolated incidents. Questions remain about how many similar cases exist and who appointed them.
Investigation continues. No conviction, sentence, or formal charge exists against the young woman, who is not accused based on published information. Only the photo, name, and publicly funded salary are confirmed.
Key Data
- Cited salary: over €60/hour
- Monthly remuneration mentioned: €6,000
- Company: Ineco, dependent on Transport Ministry
- Intercepting body: UCO of the Civil Guard
- Photo publication: Pedro J. Ramírez
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (106 replies).
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