Stories from Spain

Aldama provided an eight-hour statement alleging the People's Party (PP) has engaged in illegal financing for 20 years. The source claims Aldama cited Coldo to highlight the diligence of María Jesús Montero. The investigation follows testimony by Aldama at the Supreme Court regarding two alleged funding routes. These routes reportedly include Venezuelan oil and commissions paid to the party. Testimony from Aldama describes how a real estate businessman allegedly penetrated the Ministry of Transport. The individual reportedly became part of the inner circle of Minister Ávalos. A separate investigation by the Audiencia Nacional is examining allegations of illegal financing involving Aldama. Statements from Lieutenant Colonel Balas and Commander Montes reportedly detailed the operational roles within the scheme.

The regional government reported that 16,000 medical tests conducted in Madrid have incurred costs exceeding 12 million euros. Critics described the expenditure as an example of mismanagement by the government of Pedro Sánchez and Minister Mónica García.

The People's Party (PP) is addressing a controversy involving bingo games at a retirement home in Santucho, Bilbao. Authorities reportedly visited the location to issue warnings regarding fines for playing bingo with money.

Spanish player Rafa Jodar lost his match against world number one Jannik Sinner at the Madrid Open. Jodar is a 19-year-old player described as a sensation of the tournament. The match took place in Madrid.

A former Minister of Finance is under investigation by the Audiencia Nacional for a 200 million euro VAT fraud. The investigation also involves contracts for face masks that allegedly resulted in 5.5 million euros in payments.

BBVA reported an 11 percent increase in first-quarter profits, reaching approximately 3 billion euros. The growth comes amid economic uncertainty regarding the Middle East conflict and the status of the Strait of Hormuz. The bank's performance is noted alongside other major Spanish financial institutions. The source indicated these profit levels have not been seen in nearly two decades. The bank's performance comes amid concerns that the Middle East war could intensify due to stalled negotiations and issues with the Strait of Hormuz. Spanish bank CaixaBank reported profits exceeding 1.5 billion euros between January and March of this year. This represents a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The bank is the owner of PPI in Portugal.

Analysts are monitoring loan loss provisions for BBVA.

Investors are anticipating resilient financial results from BBVA, which is benefiting from currency tailwinds and lower costs. The bank is also seeing a resilient trajectory for net interest income. However, concerns remain regarding loan loss provisions for the institution.

Pharmaceutical expenditure in Galicia has reached a record threshold of 2 billion euros. The increase is attributed to an aging population and new therapeutic innovations.

Vitor de Aldaban made an eight-hour statement to the Supreme Court. He admitted to being a member of a criminal gang. The statement was recorded in Spain. The group reportedly includes individuals identified as Ávalos, the number two, and Sánchez, the number one.