Spain's Ábalos: Sex crimes treated harsher than theft

Ábalos attacks double standard: "Sens is a bigger crime than theft"

José Luis Ábalos has turned his defense into an exercise of pub sociology. The former Transport minister, investigated in the Koldo case, told OKDIARIO he objects to scrutiny of his romantic life while graver matters go unpunished. His thesis: "In this country, sens is a bigger crime, even if not stated in the Penal Code, than theft." This is not an isolated remark but the core of a narrative where Ábalos presents himself as a victim of sarracena hypocrisy.

Ábalos on his relationships and envy

The ex-minister denies incivil relevance to his private life, arguing critics act out of envy. "Everyone wants me with an old woman who repels. That would be correct. But since they are young, it doesn't please them." This phrase, mixing sarcasm and contempt, sparked controversy. Some see brutal honesty; others, terminal narcissism.

He omits the economic angle. Leaked material mentions spending €400,000 over two years on gifts for associates. If confirmed, this undermines the personal charm theory: at certain ages, the wallet is the magnet. A worker could solve their life with that sum; he squandered it.

Why he targets Marlaska and Interior

Ábalos directly accuses the Ministry of Interior. He claims the Central Operational Unit (UCO) ignores Interior officials despite many being compromised. "There is a general and colonels implicated, but Interior is untouched," he said. He questions why Fernando Grande-Marlaska isn't investigated when Koldo García allegedly operated within Police and Civil Guard headquarters.

This insinuation goes beyond political critique. "Something must be there," he says regarding the minister's apparent immunity. It is a grave suggestion without public proof, requiring caution. Ábalos requested Marlaska's deputy testify at the Supreme Court; the judge dismissed it. This is the only firm procedural fact.

The double standard denounced and practiced

The paradox is clear. Ábalos claims unequal treatment while his party, PSOE, condemns prostitution consumption with feminist groups. Meanwhile, he mocks everyone. Part of the public, who never voted for him, now champions him as a character. "He is the boss," some say. "He deserves to get away with it." This is fascination with someone refusing to pretend.

Beyond the persona lies cronyism in state firms, "friends" placed in paid roles, and lack of meritocracy. Ábalos didn't invent this; he practiced it openly. The uncomfortable question isn't if he is cynical, but how many simply hide it better.

Koldo case status and judicial future

The investigation remains open. UCO and judges work from a PP complaint. Ábalos is not convicted; he is under investigation. The distinction matters. His media strategy aims for parallel justice: framing persecution as sensual rather than managerial. If successful, his defense gains ground.

The disorienting fact remains. A man boasting of conquests, mocking hypocrisy, and pointing at Interior presents himself as the sole truth-teller in a land of pretenders. He may be right about something, or merely surviving as always.