Spain’s ex‑minister José Luis Ábalos sentenced to 24 years, former PM Felipe González backs ruling

Former Spanish minister José Luis Ábalos, a former secretary of organization for the PSOE, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for a series of accumulated offences, a judgement that former prime minister Felipe González described as "correct" and "well‑made". González, speaking at a business event in Toledo, said the ruling was unanimous and measured, and argued that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez now faces two clear options: resign or call a snap election.

Former president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero also weighed in on the broader corruption investigations affecting the PSOE, commenting on the so‑called "cloacas" scandal and expressing his view on the testimony of former party activist Leire Díez. Zapatero’s remarks highlighted internal party concerns and the ongoing legal scrutiny of several former officials linked to the case.

Both former leaders called for accountability and emphasized the importance of public trust in the judiciary, while the sentencing marks a significant development in Spain’s fight against political corruption.