Congress Approves Investigation into Former Minister José Luis Ábalos in Koldo Case
In a significant development within Spanish politics, the Congress of Deputies has voted to allow the Supreme Court to investigate former minister José Luis Ábalos concerning the Koldo case. This decision marks the culmination of a parliamentary procedure that officially lifts the parliamentary immunity previously granted to Ábalos in his capacity as a deputy.
The vote was conducted anonymously, with 345 deputies participating in an extraordinary plenary session on Wednesday. According to sources from the Socialist party reported by the EFE agency, the results overwhelmingly favored the Supreme Court's request.
Last week, Ábalos had submitted a defense against the Supreme Court's inquiry before the Commission for the Statute of the Deputy of Congress. Following a thorough review, this commission unanimously recommended granting permission to the Supreme Court. This recommendation was confirmed by the plenary session on Wednesday.
Throughout his defense, Ábalos insisted he is a victim of a coordinated campaign led by right-wing factions aiming to tarnish his reputation and destabilize the government. He sought the Lower House's protection, claiming his parliamentary representation had been infringed upon, a request that was ultimately denied.
The Supreme Court, however, has expressed confidence in the evidence gathered against Ábalos, asserting its legitimacy to probe allegations of his involvement in a criminal organization, influence peddling, bribery, and embezzlement in connection with the Koldo case. This development has raised considerable attention and speculation about the implications for both Ábalos and the broader political landscape in Spain.
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