Stories from Madrid · Spain

Former chief inspector Manuel Morocho testified before the Audiencia Nacional regarding the Kitchen plot. Morocho asserted that the operation was a police action conducted without authorization to spy on Barcenas. Inspector Morocho testified today in the Kitchen case trial regarding corruption within the People's Party (PP). Morocho stated that he felt surveilled by the police while investigating the corruption. The inspector also noted that judges involved in the case expressed suspicions. The testimony is part of the ongoing judicial proceedings in Spain. He alleged that magistrate Pablo Ruz also suspected microphones were in his office, noting that Ruz would move sensitive discussions to outdoor locations. Morocho further claimed that his superiors dismantled the investigation team in 2013, resulting in the departure of three people.

Víctor de Aldama is providing testimony to the Supreme Court regarding a supposed relationship between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Coldo García. The source noted that these individuals were used in a manner similar to ministers. Aldama reportedly received a call from the Venezuelan government concerning Spain's stance on Juan Guaidó. The testimony included claims that former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is exerting pressure to change the situation. A source mentioned that Víctor Córdova stated the situation with the Maduro government needs to be resolved. The source noted that the witness's responses followed the submission of a letter. Observers in the courtroom were seen taking notes and reacting to the testimony. These payments are reportedly linked to the awarding of contracts and tenders to the exposed companies.

A pediatrician named Jesús was reprimanded for attending to a patient outside of his scheduled working hours. The doctor has 14 years of experience in pediatric care and family support.

A legalization project proposed by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's social democratic minority government has split public opinion in Spain. Political scientist Pablo Simón from Carlos III University in Madrid noted the split reflects the current parliamentary spectrum. Approximately 90 percent of left-wing voters support the measure, while 75 percent of Social Democrats are in favor. Conversely, three-quarters of Conservative People's Party voters oppose it, and nearly 100 percent of Vox supporters are against the proposal. According to the source, as contracts and tenders were awarded to specific companies, cash payments were made to him to be distributed. The source stated that part of the money was intended for individuals like Cóldo and Ábalos, while another portion was for party financing. He reported carrying this cash accordingly to fund the party.

A fire in the Villaverde district last night resulted in the death of one person and an injury to a firefighter. Madrid firefighters reported that the intervention was conducted with fewer personnel than required by internal procedures. The incident has led to demonstrations by firefighters regarding a lack of resources.

The Mayor of Madrid announced during a plenary session that the city council will appeal a judicial decision to annul the local trash tax. The demand follows reports of insufficient resources within the fire department. One person died and a firefighter sustained burns in a recent incident, according to the report. Opponents, including Martínez Almeida, argue the tax disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Comparisons show the minimum waste tax in Barcelona is 95% higher than the minimum in Madrid. The Madrid City Council will appeal a ruling by the Madrid High Court of Justice that annulled the city's trash tax. The mayor asserted the council must defend the work of municipal officials regarding the ordinance's processing. The council stated that no money will be returned to taxpayers at this time.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has reached out to the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) following recent disagreements. Sánchez told the PNV spokesperson in Congress that he wishes to continue counting on their support.

An autopsy of Isaac Andig, the founder of Mango, found no injuries consistent with an attempt to break a fall. Andig died following a fall during a mountain excursion while accompanied by his son.

Spain is projected to lose over 600,000 students in the next decade. The decline will primarily impact primary and secondary school classrooms in Madrid and Catalonia.

An investigation is examining allegations that a minister received 10,000 euros per month. A witness has confessed to being part of a four-person group involved in illegal dealings. The witness claimed that former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos and former advisor Cóldo García were involved in schemes. Specifically, the witness alleged that bribes of up to 250,000 euros in cash were provided to Ábalos for contract adjudications and financing the Socialist Party. Total payments reached 1.8 million euros between 2019 and 2021. The payments were allegedly supplemented by in-kind benefits including houses, trips, and other services to ensure the minister continued opening doors within central and regional administrations. The source stated these actions were intended to keep the minister bribed.