José Luis Ábalos, the former minister of Transport in Spain, appeared before the Supreme Court where he denied any participation in the awarding of contracts within the Ministry during his term from June 2018 to July 2021. Ábalos asserted that he remained uninvolved in procurement processes, stating, "I have never participated in any management of contracting, I have always been on the sidelines. I never gave an instruction and you will not find anything regarding that." This strong denial was captured on video during his June 23 court appearance and is seen as a defense against allegations of misconduct or corruption related to public contracts.

In his testimony, Ábalos also distanced himself from the government’s financial aid to Air Europa during the pandemic, rejecting claims that he had received anything in return for these actions or that they benefited his interests. He emphasized his lack of involvement, further elaborating that he did not partake in the hiring of Claudia M. for Logirail, a subsidiary of Renfe, indicating that all procedures were followed in a professional manner without his input. This statement comes amid scrutiny of public officials and their roles in contract approvals, particularly in the context of economic relief efforts related to the COVID-19 crisis.

The context of Ábalos' statements can be seen against the backdrop of ongoing investigations into public contracts and the alleged need for transparency and accountability among government officials. As accusations of corruption have risen in various sectors, the former minister's firm stance may be an attempt to safeguard his political career and reputation. By declaring his non-involvement, Ábalos aims to mitigate any potential legal repercussions and dismiss the allegations that have arisen during his time in office, which are part of a broader examination of government practices in Spain.