Stories from Madrid · Spain

Aldama alleges that former Finance Minister María Jesús Montero issued a clear order to the Tax Agency to defer a debt owed by one of her companies. The minister is expected to address whether certain actions, such as arranging a meeting regarding hydrocarbons for a specific individual, were taken as an individual. Observers are watching to see if the minister will distance himself from his former advisor or support him during the proceedings. The testimony is expected to clarify the level of distance the former minister maintains from advisor Ábalos. The PSOE party has requested authorization from the Supreme Court to address what they describe as defamation against the Socialist Party. Party members expressed that they are currently in a particularly unjust situation. The organization issued a statement denying that 500 euro notes were ever delivered.

Aldama has alleged that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was aware of various irregularities within the ministry previously led by José Luis Ábalos. Businessman Víctor de Aldama claimed during an eight-hour statement that Caldo treated Spanish President Pedro Sánchez with familiarity. The lawyer for the former advisor to Ábalos contested this, stating that 27 intercepted phones showed no calls to the president's number. Aldama responded to this claim by saying he was being mocked. Prosecutors are reportedly receiving secret evidence regarding the case. The source noted that previous claims by the defense labeling the allegations as fabrications have been met with solid evidence. Evidence has been presented to the anti-corruption prosecutor's office regarding the Aldama case.

An investigation revealed a corruption mechanism where cash was transported in envelopes and backpacks. Aldama explained that the funds were obtained from companies awarded public contracts by the Ministry of Transport.

A 28-year-old man named Pon Ferrada is described as the largest cyber fraudster in Spanish history. The suspect's frequent movement was a calculated tactic to remain difficult to track. Spain is experiencing over 1,000 computer fraud incidents per day.

Real Madrid issued a statement saying Kylian Mbappé is expected to return to action by mid-May following an injury. His return is considered positive for both Real Madrid and the French national football team.

Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez is meeting with Spanish politicians in Madrid almost daily. Gonzalez was previously evacuated from Caracas on a Spanish military aircraft following threats of imprisonment and death.

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez left the pitch with an injury during the Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal. Commentators described the player's entry as very violent, noting a heavy collision or charge during the play. The incident involved a collision that could have resulted in a red card given the player already had a yellow card. Julian Alvarez scored a penalty in the 44th minute during the match. The Arsenal goal was scored by Victor. The match results leave the qualifying group open, with the final determination expected in London next week. The manager stated that the contact was clear and criticized the need for multiple reviews to overturn the penalty. Argentinian striker Julian Alvarez became the first Los Colchoneros player to score 10 goals in a single Champions League edition. Alvarez converted a penalty in the 41st minute following a video review.

Approximately one million rental contracts are affected following the Congress's rejection of the Housing Decree Law. Data regarding the impact was provided by the Sumar party. The decision follows the legislative defeat of the decree in the Spanish Congress.

Businessman Víctor d'Aldama provided testimony on Wednesday regarding a scheme involving commissions for public works. He detailed how cash was delivered in exchange for contracts. The testimony was heard by José Luis Ávalos and Coldo García.

A witness in the mask procurement corruption case has accused Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of involvement in a hierarchy of corruption. The witness's claims reportedly exceed the previous findings of the UCO investigation.