Stories from Madrid · Spain

A defendant in the mask procurement investigation, José Luis Ábalos, testified to magistrates regarding the organization's structure. Ábalos, the former Minister of Transport and Secretary of Organization for the Socialist Party, claimed the group operated on a specific hierarchy. He stated that the President of the Government is at level 1, followed by Ábalos at level 2, and others at levels 3 and 4. An accused advisor in the Mascarillas case defended his role during a court appearance, claiming he acted only as a transport advisor. The defendant stated he did not decide on the 500 million euro rescue or credit decisions, but merely relayed messages to technical staff. The prosecution is currently in recess following his testimony. He stated that his actions were strictly political orders rather than administrative management.

Statements have commenced from the primary individuals involved in the Mascarilias corruption case. He also alleged attempted bribery involving the Minister of the Interior. Aldama is providing details regarding alleged commission payments to Cóldo and Ávalos, who are also defendants in the case. The testimony also covers pressure applied to remove the names of Cóspedal and her husband due to a friendship with Villarjo. The proceedings are taking place in the Supreme Court. Witness Víctor de Aldama began providing testimony during the corruption case proceedings in Madrid. Aldama is attempting to link Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to a mask procurement scheme. The witness alleged that Pedro Jiménez delivered 10,000 euros per month to Ábalos to cover expenses. These funds were reportedly collected from kickbacks on public works contracts to finance the political party.

A relief effort in Madrid is working to urgently secure 25,000 liters of essential oil. This quantity is intended to meet the needs of more than 90,000 people for one month. The product is considered a fundamental part of the basic food basket.

A group of immigrants stormed the Gambia embassy in Madrid around 10:00 AM. The incident occurred around 10:00 AM on Hernández Iglesias Street in the Ciudad Lineal district. One woman was reported to be in cardiopulmonary arrest following the incident. Spokesperson Miguel Ángel García stated the situation reflects a chaotic migration process that is saturating services. Large queues of migrants gathered at the site to obtain documents required for regularization processes. Some individuals attempted to scale the embassy wall, causing a tumult that alerted local residents. The neighborhood is reportedly returning to normalcy after the incident. Hundreds of Gambian citizens gathered outside the embassy in Madrid to collect passports required for regularization applications. Protesters slept on the street due to slow-moving queues and frustration over the 120 euro appointment fee.

Two designated experts investigating the La Damuz tragedy confessed to a judge that they maintained prior professional links with the companies responsible for renovating the road.

Associations, platforms, and parent-teacher associations (AMPA) delivered 10,000 signatures to the Madrid City Council against the construction of the EMT Museum. The proposed museum is planned for the plot where the former stadium once stood.

Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez Almeida announced the city council will appeal a Supreme Court ruling that declared the municipal waste tax null. Javier Ortega-Smith, acting as a Vox spokesperson, was present during the session. Mayor José Luis Martí de Zalmeida announced an appeal during a plenary session regarding the waste management tax. The decision follows inquiries from Vox spokesperson Javier Ortega Smith concerning whether taxpayers would receive automatic refunds for payments made. No immediate refunds to residents are expected at this time. The Mayor's office noted that the minimum waste tax in Barcelona is 95 percent higher than the minimum in Madrid. Opponents of the tax argue it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Madrid currently ranks 12th among major Spanish cities for these costs according to the OCU.

Aldama claims that payments were made to individuals including Cóldo and Ábalos as part of a scheme involving public works. An investigation is examining allegations of irregular financing within the Socialist Party. The case involves direct accusations of receiving commission payments. A UDF inspector and Gurtel investigator, Moropcho, confirmed the matter involves a police operation conducted without authorization. The investigation is expected to continue until May 4. The allegations suggest these funds were used for personal expenses, including monthly payments of 10,000 euros. A trial described how an organization collected illegal commissions for public works projects. Money was transported in various ways, including envelopes for amounts between 50,000 and 60,000 euros.

Dr. Balacic successfully raised up to 3 million euros for pharmaceutical research. The source noted that while basic research is covered by public systems, private or financial investment is required to transition research into pharmacy-ready drugs.

More than 200 people with severe or chronic mental illness in Madrid will lose access to their reference therapeutic teams starting in May. Workers at Manantial Gestión, the company contracted by the regional government to manage these support teams, warned of the consequences due to economic problems. The loss of these teams threatens the therapeutic bonds established with patients. Many users have already abandoned their treatment processes due to the sudden change. The loss is due to financial issues involving a company contracted by the regional government of Isabel Díaz Ayuso. While a regional government spokesperson claims patients will not be harmed, workers warn that the loss of established therapeutic bonds is a concern.