Editorial: El País

• José Luis Ábalos, former minister, is being investigated for influence peddling, criminal organization, bribery, and embezzlement.
• His former partner, Jessica R., testified that she was hired in public companies without working, earning more than 31,000 euros.
• During her tenure, she lived in an apartment in the center of Madrid; the rent was allegedly paid for by businessman Víctor de Aldama, implicated in bribery.
• Innocent until proven guilty is independent of political responsibilities; Ábalos's political situation is presented as indefensible.
• The former minister is accused of profiting from his position in various ways.

Conclusion: Despite all the allegations, Ábalos maintains the right to be presumed innocent. Additionally, there is notable lack of control in public companies to verify the job performance of those hired. The political reputation in Spain is affected by these corruption scandals, though only a minority are implicated. The very democratic institutions have brought these matters to light.

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