Spanish PM's ex-top aide takes stand at graft trial

Madrid: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's former right-hand man takes the stand on Wednesday as a key suspect in a corruption trial that has cast doubt on the Socialist-led government's future.

The trial of Jose Luis Abalos is just one of several investigations into alleged corruption by Sanchez's family and ex-political allies that have rocked an already fragile minority coalition.

Abalos, a former transport minister and Socialist heavyweight who helped propel Sanchez to power in 2018, is accused of earning kickbacks for the irregular awarding of contracts for face masks at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Supreme Court in Madrid is also due to hear his former adviser Koldo Garcia and businessman Victor de Aldama for their alleged roles in the scheme.

Prosecutors say Abalos abused his position in government to allow Aldama to land lucrative public contracts for face masks, with Garcia acting as an intermediary to implement the murky dealings.

In return, Abalos allegedly received cash and favours he used to finance a sumptuous lifestyle, including family holidays and a luxury Madrid flat for his now ex-partner.

Prosecutors are seeking 24 years in jail for Abalos on charges including bribery, embezzlement, influence peddling and membership of a criminal organisation.

Abalos and Garcia, who spent months in pre-trial detention, have consistently denied the allegations. Aldama was freed after cooperating with the investigation.

Since the trial began on April 7, dozens of witnesses have been questioned about alleged wrongdoing, including the movement of cash in envelopes and the appointment of Abalos's ex-lover to fake jobs in public companies.

Proceedings are scheduled to end on Thursday, but reaching a sentence may take months.