Spain's PSOE cornered by the 'plumber' corruption scandal
The case file of Spain's 'plumber' scandal has been declassified: attempts to discredit the investigating officer, meetings with the plumber, and a €250,000 offer to change testimony.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Declassified case file on the 'plumber' scandal: Spain's PSOE on the ropes
Spain's PSOE is not only at the center of a new corruption scandal; the revelations suggest that the party's leadership and the government tried to torpedo the investigation. The declassification of the case file in the affair known as the 'plumber scandal' has uncovered a string of alleged irregularities placing the party squarely in the justice system's spotlight.
Attempts to discredit the investigating officer
According to the documentation, dirt was allegedly sought on Lieutenant Colonel Balas, who was leading the inquiries affecting the PSOE. In addition, the director of the Guardia Civil (Spain's paramilitary police force) held meetings with Leire, the plumber in the case — something Minister Marlaska denied less than two weeks ago. The Guardia Civil's DAO reportedly advised officers to take a passive stance on cases implicating the party.
Buying testimony and favoritism
A businesswoman, Carmen Pano, stated that the PSOE offered her 250,000 euros to change her version of events. Lieutenant Colonel Balas has also concluded that Miguel Ángel Gallardo tailored a position for the brother of 'El Perro'. Allegations of vote-buying by mail in previous elections complete the picture.
In this scenario, the question is not whether the PSOE will survive politically, but how long the public will stay passive. The investigations are moving forward, but the mess is already overflowing.
Related discussions in the forum
Spain's PSOE is not only at the center of a new corruption scandal; the revelations suggest that the party's leadership and the government tried to torpedo the investigation. The declassification of the case file in the affair known as the 'plumber scandal' has uncovered a string of alleged irregularities placing the party squarely in the justice system's spotlight.
Attempts to discredit the investigating officer
According to the documentation, dirt was allegedly sought on Lieutenant Colonel Balas, who was leading the inquiries affecting the PSOE. In addition, the director of the Guardia Civil (Spain's paramilitary police force) held meetings with Leire, the plumber in the case — something Minister Marlaska denied less than two weeks ago. The Guardia Civil's DAO reportedly advised officers to take a passive stance on cases implicating the party.
Buying testimony and favoritism
A businesswoman, Carmen Pano, stated that the PSOE offered her 250,000 euros to change her version of events. Lieutenant Colonel Balas has also concluded that Miguel Ángel Gallardo tailored a position for the brother of 'El Perro'. Allegations of vote-buying by mail in previous elections complete the picture.
In this scenario, the question is not whether the PSOE will survive politically, but how long the public will stay passive. The investigations are moving forward, but the mess is already overflowing.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (42 replies).
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