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Businessman Víctor de Aldama, central figure in the scandal known as the Koldo case, has placed Pedro Sánchez and the PSOE at the heart of a new controversy. In his testimony before Spain’s National Court on Thursday, Aldama not only linked key party figures to alleged irregular payments but also stated that the famous photo with Sánchez was no coincidence. According to his account, the image serves as evidence of a meeting in which Sánchez personally thanked him “for his services rendered.”
Aldama claimed to have handed over €250,000 to former minister José Luis Ábalos, €100,000 to bodyguard Koldo García, and €15,000 in an envelope to the PSOE’s Secretary of Organization, Santos Cerdán. These sums, allegedly intended for political favors, have sparked a wave of predictable outrage. Although President Sánchez is not listed among the recipients of these funds, the involvement of those in his close circle and the detail of the photograph heighten suspicions about his awareness of these criminal practices, intensifying public scrutiny of the PSOE’s internal operations.
Throughout his testimony, Aldama also revealed organizing a dinner involving Sánchez, several ministers, and Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s vice president, to strengthen ties with the Chávez regime. Although the meeting was ultimately canceled, this attempt adds another layer of controversy, highlighting the PSOE’s controversial foreign policy choices and its relationship with figures linked to Chavismo. Critics argue that such connections compromise Spain’s international standing and raise questions about the priorities of Sánchez’s administration.
“He thanked me for what I was doing.” These were Aldama’s words regarding the photograph with Sánchez, a particularly explosive assertion. Although the photograph has not yet been made public, Aldama claimed it would confirm his direct relationship with the acting president. This revelation raises serious questions about Sánchez’s stance on the case, especially as he has maintained a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and repeatedly denied any relationship with Aldama. The photo, if revealed, could become a pivotal piece of evidence in unraveling the truth behind these allegations.
Following these explosive statements, political reactions were swift and unequivocal. Parties like VOX wasted no time in condemning Sánchez and his administration after Aldama’s accusations. “Aldama’s statements confirm that we are dealing with a true criminal network, a network of influence peddling to grant favors to members of the government, the PSOE, and even members of Pedro Sánchez’s family. We will demand Sánchez and several ministers be indicted,” said VOX spokesperson Pepa Millán. Other opposition parties, including the Popular Party, also called for immediate accountability and transparency from the government.
Thus, the PSOE finds itself cornered, with its leadership under intense scrutiny and the opposition not only demanding explanations but actively considering a motion of no confidence. The denials issued by party representatives have so far been insufficient to curb reputational damage. Sánchez’s failure to mount a clear and compelling defense only exacerbates perceptions of opacity, a recurring criticism during his tenure as leader of the socialist government.
The Koldo case is not merely a matter of isolated corruption but reveals what critics allege is a systemic issue where economic and political favors are deeply intertwined. The mention of the photograph of Sánchez with Aldama, alongside accusations of payments and international meetings, places the party in an increasingly untenable position.
The current crisis demands drastic measures of transparency and accountability. Pedro Sánchez must address the accusations directly, including clarifying the alleged photograph linking him to Aldama. Silence or half-hearted denials will no longer satisfy a public growing increasingly disillusioned with the government. In such a critical political moment, the PSOE must demonstrate its commitment to the democracy it represents or risk a rapid and irreversible decline in credibility, both domestically and on the international stage.
If the accusations prove true, the consequences could shake the foundations of Spain’s political landscape. The PSOE may face lasting damage to its reputation, and Sánchez’s leadership could be irreparably undermined. With trust in public institutions at stake, the stakes for accountability and reform have never been higher.