Attorney General Investigates Blanco

 

A Judge in Lugo, Galicia, has ordered the arrest of 15 people on suspicion of corruption, following an investigation named `Operation Champion´.

One the suspects, a businessman named Jorge Dorribo , implicated the country´s Minister for Development, Jose Blanco, who is also the PSOE deputy party leader.

It is alleged that Blanco misappropriated public money and subsidies to undeserving colleagues and associates.

The judge has referred the accusations against Blanco to the Supreme Court, which has asked the Attorney General's Office to evaluate the case and make a recommendation on how to proceed.

The Attorney General's Office has made the decision to appoint a magistrate to oversee an initial formal investigation of the Minister´s conduct.

Blanco, who holds senior positions in the outgoing government such as Minister for Development and Official Spokesperson, is also the Deputy PSOE Party leader, announced last week that whilst he plans to remain a Member of Parliament, he will not be seeking any senior position in the party once the PSOE are in opposition.

The Partido Popular, who the vote in the election last week but have still to take control of the government, welcomed the investigation, stating how it is important for all Spaniards to be treated equally in front of the law.