Jésica Rodríguez's Absence from Senate Fuels Speculation in Koldo Case
The political landscape is currently buzzing with intrigue as Jésica Rodríguez, the former partner of ex-minister José Luis Ábalos, has unexpectedly failed to appear before the Senate commission investigating the Koldo corruption scandal. According to Manuel Viejo (2025), writing for El País, Rodríguez cited health reasons, specifically “ansiedad”, as the cause for her absence, sending a communication just 45 minutes before her scheduled testimony. This sudden turn of events is now triggering a wave of speculation and demands for scrutiny.
A Last-Minute Excuse
The timing of Rodríguez's notification is proving particularly contentious. The fact that she communicated her inability to attend so close to the hearing, around 10:15 AM for an 11:00 AM appearance, is raising eyebrows among members of the opposition. As reported by El País, the Popular Party (PP) is calling for a thorough examination of the medical report, suspecting that her absence might stem from “algún tipo de contraprestación” (Viejo, 2025). This insinuation suggests a possible payoff or agreement to avoid testifying.
Legal Ramifications and Potential Consequences
The Senate's legal services are now tasked with verifying the validity of Rodríguez's medical report. If deemed legitimate, she will likely be summoned to appear before the commission at a later date. However, should the report be rejected, Rodríguez could face legal repercussions. According to the Código Penal, Article 502.3, failure to appear before a parliamentary commission without a valid excuse constitutes a crime, punishable by imprisonment ranging from six months to one year, and a fine of 12 to 24 months.
Political Reactions and Accusations
Rodríguez's no-show has ignited strong reactions from various political factions. Senators from the PP, Grupo Mixto, and Vox have voiced their outrage, demanding immediate action. Ángel Pelayo Gordillo, a senator from Vox, is reportedly calling for the immediate referral of the case to the Fiscalía. Meanwhile, Joaquín Gil, a Socialist senator, has requested that appropriate measures be taken if a valid medical certificate is presented. The tension in the room is palpable, with accusations of potential pressure and collusion flying between parties.
The PP's Demand for Transparency
Alejo Miranda de Larra, spokesperson for the PP, emphasized the need for a thorough verification of the medical documentation. While acknowledging the decision, Larra expressed his surprise and concern that “ningún tipo de presión, ni connivencia, ni contraprestación por la trama, ni por Ábalos, ni por el PSOE, ni ningún miembro del Gobierno” has influenced Rodríguez's decision (Viejo, 2025). The PP is also planning to propose new legislation to prevent the submission of excuses at the “last minute.”
Socialist Response and Escalating Tensions
The Socialist Party has responded firmly to the allegations. In a direct retort, one Socialist senator challenged the PP to present evidence of wrongdoing in court, threatening legal action if they fail to do so. This exchange highlights the growing animosity and distrust surrounding the Koldo case and the implications it holds for various political figures.
Rodríguez's Role in the Koldo Case
Jésica Rodríguez's involvement in the Koldo case stems from her previous employment with two public companies, Ineco and Tragsasec, both under the purview of the Ministry of Transport. Adding to the controversy, she resided in a luxury apartment in Madrid allegedly funded by the corruption ring. During her testimony before the Supreme Court on February 27th, Rodríguez admitted to being employed by these companies for two and a half years, receiving a monthly salary of €1,173, despite not performing any actual work. She also claimed ignorance regarding who paid for her apartment, suggesting it could have been Ábalos.
The Road Ahead
The unfolding drama surrounding Jésica Rodríguez's absence is adding another layer of complexity to the already intricate Koldo case. As the Senate's legal team investigates the validity of her medical claim, the political climate remains charged. The potential legal consequences for Rodríguez, coupled with the accusations and counter-accusations between political parties, suggest that this case is far from reaching a resolution. The public, along with key political actors, are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Senate's review and the potential next steps in this unfolding saga.
The situation is currently evolving, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
