Bolaños Does Not Believe Ábalos Is Blackmailing Sánchez Over Privacy Attack

Thursday 15 May 2025 - 10:33

By: Zahouani Ilham

Bolaños Does Not Believe Ábalos Is Blackmailing Sánchez Over Privacy Attack

Spanish Presidency Minister Félix Bolaños has dismissed suggestions that former minister José Luis Ábalos is blackmailing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez by leaking their private messages. Instead, he condemned the act as a "relentless and unrestrained attack" on Sánchez's privacy.

In an interview with Onda Cero, Bolaños commented on the release of WhatsApp exchanges between Sánchez and Ábalos during the latter's time in government. He insisted that Ábalos's intention was not to exert pressure but acknowledged the seriousness of the privacy violation.

Bolaños, who also holds the position of Minister of Justice, stated that the published content shows there is "nothing to hide." However, he emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to identify who is behind the leaks, warning that such an act could constitute a criminal offense.

When asked if the government or Sánchez personally will file a legal complaint, Bolaños said they would first evaluate the extent of the ongoing leaks. He noted that any individual has the right to report such disclosures and that investigations could also be initiated ex officio.

Regarding Ábalos's recent claim that he did not oppose the publication of the messages, Bolaños described the statement as part of a "ceremony of confusion."

He firmly denied any connection between this episode and past cases involving leaks related to Isabel Díaz Ayuso or Mariano Rajoy’s message to Luis Bárcenas. Bolaños rejected the notion that all politicians behave the same way, calling such comparisons "shameful." He also denied having any information linking PSOE Organization Secretary Santos Cerdán to the Koldo case.