Ex-Spanish Minister Bono Sought Ábalos Aid for Road Project Permits

Former Spanish minister José Bono contacted ex-Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos in May 2021 to seek assistance in speeding up construction permits for a development near the N-260 road's "rotonda dels bombers" roundabout in La Seu d'Urgell, WhatsApp messages obtained by El Español show.

The exchanges, reported on Wednesday by the outlet, involved Bono reaching out to Koldo García, Ábalos's former adviser. Bono provided contact information for businessman Dimas de Andrés, whom he described as his client, and pressed several times for quicker handling of the administrative processes. He also forwarded "notes" and documents to Ábalos through García's former partner, who served as a secretary in the ministry.

The proposed project lies in La Seu d'Urgell's SUD-1 urban sector, a 6-hectare zone outlined in 2002 planning near the Sant Antoni neighbourhood and fire station. Designated for public facilities like the future Alt Urgell county hospital as well as major commercial areas accessible from the existing N-260 roundabout, any construction required approvals from Spain's Transport Ministry owing to effects on the state road, including traffic safety, access, lighting, and noise.

Reached by El Español, Bono confirmed the outreach and his client's role. He maintained that his actions were limited to introducing de Andrés to ministry contacts, denied any ethically questionable conduct, and noted that the initiative produced no outcome, with the project never advancing.

These details emerge amid a judicial investigation into suspected irregularities in public contracts tied to Ábalos and García's associates. No official response has addressed these specific allegations.