Spanish Opposition Demands Transparency on Prime Minister's Health and Explanations in Koldo Scandal

Spanish politics has entered a phase of sharp confrontation on several fronts, where ethical issues mix with serious criminal allegations. The main point of contention concerns the demand by Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo of the Popular Party (PP), who called for the disclosure of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's medical history.PP formally distances itself from the MP's radical tone, but the party does not cease its political offensive in other areas. The government spokesperson and pro-government media accuse the opposition of employing a "lie laundering" strategy aimed at diverting attention from substantive public debate and undermining the head of government's mandate with baseless health insinuations. Simultaneously, pressure is mounting in connection with the investigation known as the "Koldo scandal," concerning corruption in contracts for personal protective equipment. The Senate investigative committee has summoned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance María Jesús Montero to testify about the role of SEPI in controversial procurement processes. The government's situation is worsened by reports about the role of Isabel Pardo de Vera, former Secretary of State, who according to UCO reports allegedly facilitated contacts with Chinese ventilator suppliers and advised the accused after the first arrests. Additionally, the case of the airline Plus Ultra, after it acquired a "new dimension," has been transferred to the National Court (Audiencia Nacional), suggesting that allegations of illegal financing of the ruling party are gaining momentum. The tense atmosphere is complemented by reports from the courtroom, where the judge handling the case of Victor de Aldama, a key witness in the corruption scandals, postponed the deadline for him to hand over a sealed envelope. This document is said to allegedly contain evidence of irregularities in the financing of PSOE. In the background of these events, minor incidents are occurring, such as Deputy Prime Minister Montero mistakenly voting against aid for flood victims, which the opposition immediately seized as proof of chaos within the socialist ranks. The Spanish parliamentary system has been characterized by strong polarization since the 2008 financial crisis and the rise of populist parties, which has translated into an exceptionally aggressive language of public debate in the last decade.„Hay que ser más responsable a la hora de arrastrar bulos al Congreso.” (One must be more responsible when dragging hoaxes into Congress.) — Iñaki López