“It is naive to think that this does not affect the image of the party.” The reflection of a PSPV official shows the growing concern that Valencian socialists are beginning to have about the ‘Ábalos case’ and the decision of the deputy – elected by the Valencia constituency – to entrench himself in the mixed group of the Congress of Deputies.
Sources from the federation admitted that these types of issues take their toll on the party. Although they do not fear that there will be consequences in the management of the Botànic Government – the only focus at the moment has been on the executives of the Balearic and Canary Islands -, they recognize that this information and Ábalos’ way of acting in response to it are very harmful to the game.
“It is not the best scenario for the congress,” a deputy admitted yesterday in the corridors of Les Corts, and that the congressional event is quite clear for the renewal of the party and the leadership of Diana Morant. This newspaper already explained yesterday that what happened with the former minister torpedoes the options of his faithful, who in this congress had been reorganized around the candidacy, finally not ratified, of Alejandro Soler. Thus, everything indicates that abalism will not take advantage of this congress.
Yesterday, both the PP and Vox did not hesitate to point out that the Koldo case directly affects the PSPV. In the corridors of Les Corts, the PP ombudsman, Miguel Barrachina, pointed out that he is expectant about what he considers the Sánchez case, and stressed that “this case of PSOE corruption” also affects the Valencian Community, and in a way direct to PSPV. His counterpart and partner, José María Llanos (Vox), indicated that the former minister’s responsibility “is very relevant” and stressed that the matter could have repercussions in the Community and affect the PSPV.
For their part, the PSPV tried to erect a firewall to prevent the case – taking advantage of the fact that it has national significance – from affecting them directly. The socialist spokesman, José Muñoz, did not want to evaluate either politically or personally his party colleague’s decision not to leave the minutes. Muñoz only admitted that the PSOE has made “very tough decisions” and justified them to “exemplify political life.” Furthermore, he pointed out that the PP is not legitimized to make evaluations after having been convicted of corruption.
The deputy and former secretary of the PSPV in the province of Valencia, Mercedes Caballero, very close to the former minister, did not entirely agree with the statements of her ombudsman. The parliamentarian told La Vanguardia yesterday that she does not share the decision of her party and that she supported José Luis Ábalos’ decision “not to leave public life through the back door as if he were corrupt.”
In statements sent to Europa Press, Caballero regretted that his party has “succumbed to the trap of the PP which, being the only party sentenced for corruption, intends to teach us lessons.” In any case, the PSPV deputy “abides” with the decision of the federal leadership although she reiterates that she does not like it.
Beyond Caballero’s opinion, two PSPV deputies made a more global reflection and wondered where politicians are going to end up when, not even because they are accused, they have to resign or are removed by their party, despite the fact that There is nothing judicially against them. And the advancement of red lines for the sake of exemplarity worries more than one in the socialist ranks.
