Reyes Maroto's inconsistencies in her relationship with Víctor de Aldama

The former Minister of Industry, Reyes Maroto, has appeared before the Senate Commission investigating public contracts linked to Koldo García. During her intervention, she denied knowing Víctor de Aldama and stated that she doesn't remember if she has more conversations with him on WhatsApp. Her statements have raised doubts among the senators, as she previously denied any contact with the businessman.

Maroto has tried to distance herself from the case by stating that "that was the responsibility of another Ministry". She was referring to the Ministry of Ecological Transition, then led by Teresa Ribera.

She has also attempted to shift responsibilities regarding Turespaña. Stating that from this organization, she was informed that Aldama dealt directly with the City Council and the Community of Madrid.

Additionally, the former minister has denied asking Aldama for help to be the socialist candidate for the Mayor of Madrid. She has insisted that she has no relationship with him and that her role in the Ministry was not related to the dealings attributed to the businessman.

Denies knowing meetings of her Chief of Staff

One of the most tense moments of the appearance occurred when she was asked about the meetings of her Chief of Staff with Koldo and Aldama. Maroto claimed she was unaware of those meetings, which surprised the senators.

However, unlike the Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, who has defended her Chief of Staff, Carlos Moreno, Maroto hasn't made a strong defense of Bidart. She has merely pointed out that he currently works in the private sector and can't defend himself.

On January 22, Moreno refused to testify in the same Senate Commission. Instead, he read a statement arguing that testifying could harm his legal actions and his right to defense in case a judicial proceeding is opened.

Reyes Maroto changed her version after the publication of the messages

On December 17, Víctor de Aldama had stated in the Supreme Court Chamber that he had WhatsApp conversations with Maroto. According to his testimony, the key to accessing her and other ministries was former Minister José Luis Ábalos.

Aldama directly pointed to Ábalos as the person who opened the doors to various public administrations for him. Including the ministries of Reyes Maroto and Teresa Ribera. While he was testifying, Judge Leopoldo Puente interrupted him, but Aldama insisted that this way of managing represented a "clear influence peddling."

Days later, after initially denying any contact with Víctor de Aldama, Reyes Maroto changed her version. In her appearance in the Senate, she acknowledged that she exchanged messages with the businessman, but only about a tourism project linked to Turespaña. "It didn't go forward, and no business was done," she stated.

Doubts about the existence of more messages

Senator Mar Caballero, from UPN, directly asked her if more WhatsApp messages with Aldama could appear. In reply to this question, Maroto said: "I can't say if more WhatsApp messages with Aldama will appear or not."

This comment has caused even more doubts about the veracity of her testimony, as she had previously denied knowing the businessman. Additionally, her defense is based on a single message known so far. But she doesn't rule out that others may come to light that contradict her version.

Denial of dealings with Koldo García

The former minister has also been asked about her relationship with Koldo García, advisor to José Luis Ábalos and a key figure in the investigated plot. Maroto has assured that she had no dealings with him, despite being present at ministerial meetings.

One of the meetings in question took place at the Ministry of Industry. Where Koldo García was in a meeting with businessmen from the hydrocarbon sector.

In that meeting, businessmen like Claudio Rivas demanded a license. However, Maroto has insisted that she had no relationship with Ábalos's advisor.