Koldo García, a former advisor, and Claudia Montes are entrenched in a legal dispute following their failure to reconcile in a recent mediation session regarding allegations of defamation and slander. García claims damages amounting to €25,000, while Montes is seeking €35,000, both demanding public retractions from the other party. The disagreement centers around employment allegations connected to Montes's hiring in a public company linked to the Ministry of Transport, influenced by former minister José Luis Ábalos.

The conciliation session took place at the Court of First Instance Number 45 in Madrid, where neither García nor Montes attended in person, opting instead for representation by their legal counsel. Montes had urged García to retract statements he made on television, which she claims falsely suggested she lied for financial gain. The failed negotiations have heightened tensions between the two parties, setting the stage for forthcoming lawsuits.

This case draws attention not only for its personal ramifications but also for its implications regarding public service employment practices and accountability. With the involvement of political figures like former Minister Ábalos, it showcases the intersection of personal grievances and broader systemic issues within public institutions. As these defamation claims proceed through the legal system, they are likely to attract public interest and scrutiny regarding the ethical boundaries in political appointments and employee conduct in the public sector.