Welcome to an exclusive overview of two significant engagements: the VIP meetings with Begoña Gómez and the plumbing discussions with Ábalos.
Begoña Gómez, a prominent figure known for her influential role in various social and cultural initiatives, has been hosting a series of VIP meetings designed to foster dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. These gatherings have brought together key stakeholders, thought leaders, and influencers to address pressing issues and explore new opportunities for social impact.
In a different realm, Ábalos, a recognized expert in the plumbing industry, has been leading discussions focused on the critical aspects of plumbing systems and infrastructure. His meetings have been instrumental in advancing industry standards, discussing best practices, and tackling challenges related to plumbing technology and maintenance.
Together, these two areas of focus highlight the diverse range of high-level engagements shaping social progress and technical advancements.
The Role of Begoña Gómez
Begoña Gómez, the wife of former Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has carved out her own niche in social activism and international relations. While she is widely recognized for advocating for social issues and her involvement with various charitable organizations, her recent VIP meetings highlight her influence beyond the usual spheres of social work.
These meetings are not just about discussing policies or attending formal events. They represent an intersection of personal commitment and professional diplomacy. Gómez’s engagements typically focus on areas such as gender equality, education, and social justice. Her approach is characterized by a blend of empathy and strategic thinking aimed at fostering international collaborations that can drive meaningful change.
One notable aspect of her recent meetings is her emphasis on global cooperation to address pressing issues like climate change and humanitarian crises. Her ability to bring together leaders from different sectors and backgrounds underscores her role as a key player in shaping conversations that lead to impactful solutions.
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The Significance of Her Meetings
Gómez’s VIP meetings often serve as platforms for initiating partnerships between governments, NGOs, and the private sector. By leveraging her network and expertise, she facilitates dialogues that bridge gaps between various stakeholders. This role is particularly crucial in today’s interconnected world, where collaborative efforts are essential for tackling complex global challenges.
Her meetings also provide a space for discussing innovative approaches to social issues. For instance, discussions on advancing educational opportunities for underprivileged communities or enhancing support systems for victims of domestic violence are common themes. Gómez’s involvement in these areas not only helps to highlight critical issues but also drives the implementation of effective strategies.
Plumbing with Ábalos: A Unconventional yet Essential Perspective
In contrast to the high-profile nature of Begoña Gómez’s engagements, the topic of plumbing might seem mundane. However, recent discussions involving José Luis Ábalos, a prominent Spanish politician, have brought an interesting perspective to this everyday service.
The Intersection of Plumbing and Policy
Ábalos, known for his roles in various government positions including Minister of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda, has recently been involved in conversations that highlight the importance of basic infrastructure services. While plumbing might not be the first issue that comes to mind in political discourse, it plays a crucial role in urban development and public health.
Ábalos’s focus on plumbing underscores a broader commitment to improving public services and ensuring that essential infrastructure meets modern standards. His discussions often revolve around the need for updating plumbing systems to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This includes addressing issues such as water conservation, waste management, and the integration of advanced technologies.
The Broader Implications
The emphasis on plumbing, as championed by Ábalos, reflects a growing recognition of the importance of infrastructure in overall societal well-being. Well-maintained plumbing systems are vital for public health and environmental sustainability. By addressing these issues at a policy level, Ábalos contributes to a more comprehensive approach to urban planning and public service management.
Moreover, his involvement in plumbing discussions highlights a trend where politicians and policymakers are increasingly aware of the interconnections between various aspects of infrastructure and public services. This approach helps ensure that policy decisions are informed by a holistic understanding of their impact on daily life and long-term development.
Javier Hidalgo and Globalia have had extensive interactions with various governments, including Pedro Sánchez’s administration, since it took office in June 2018. The company quickly established a close relationship with Begoña Gómez, whom Globalia began to promote in collaboration with the UNWTO and IE. When the pandemic struck, the tourism group leveraged its connections to negotiate a bailout, starting in March 2020.
As Air Europa prepared to secure the first and largest pandemic bailout, high-level meetings occurred between June 24 and September 23, 2020. These included discussions between Hidalgo and Begoña Gómez, as well as between lawyers and executives from the tourism group with José Luis Ábalos and Koldo García. Notably, Víctor de Aldama, who was involved in Koldo García’s network, had access to both sides.
The meetings between Hidalgo and Pedro Sánchez’s wife on June 24 and July 16, 2020, as reported by El Confidencial, have been acknowledged by the company. Additionally, an agenda from José Luis Ábalos’s trusted advisor, accessed by Vozpópuli, details meetings with the company on June 30 and September 23, 2020.
As revealed by this newspaper, in the summer of 2020, Koldo García arranged a meeting with Hidalgo in Ibiza amidst the bailout negotiations. An email from July 11, 2020, sent from García’s official Ministry of Transport account informed British Airways about Hidalgo and others’ participation in the meeting.
Leticia Lauffer, director of Globalia’s Wakalua, a subsidiary created to sponsor the IE Africa Center led by Gómez, testified on August 26 before Judge Peinado, confirming several meetings between Hidalgo and Gómez.
It has thus been surprising that Hidalgo recently stated before the judge in the Koldo case that he did not recall meeting Begoña Gómez. Globalia explained that the question posed to Hidalgo was about his recollection of June 24, 2020, and he answered accordingly. They clarified that if asked specifically about meetings with Gómez on the mentioned dates, Hidalgo would have confirmed them.
Judge Ismael Moreno has restricted questions related to Hidalgo’s meetings with Pedro Sánchez’s wife, leading the prosecution to find indirect ways to address the issue. Hidalgo’s testimony before the Audiencia Nacional focused on Air Europa’s transport services for masks contracted by public entities and related payments.
The SEPI fund that facilitated these loans was approved on July 3, 2020. Air Europa received aid on November 3, following a request on September 7 and a final revised request in mid-October 2020.
Surprise at SEPI
avier Hidalgo reportedly boasted to SEPI about his meetings with Begoña Gómez and the successful completion of the bailout, asserting that he had strong backing from Moncloa. This unusual and bold approach reportedly surprised SEPI, given its stake in the company.
SEPI requested modifications to Air Europa’s rescue plan to ensure proper procedures were followed. An internal point of contention was the group’s distribution of a €35 million dividend in February 2020, which was distributed to the Hidalgo family and other shareholders. Unlike other rescues, such as Volotea, where shareholders contributed funds, Air Europa’s bailout was solely managed by SEPI, in addition to the €140 million in ICO credits the airline had previously received.
Alongside Hidalgo’s high-level meetings with Gómez, José Luis Ábalos and Koldo García were working on the bailout details. On September 7, 2020, El Confidencial reported that Air Europa had requested €500 million in bailout funds. Ábalos had expressed willingness to support this request. Still, he emphasized the importance of setting conditions to ensure future recovery of the aid and to avoid any perception of preferential treatment. Consequently, the minister suggested that the Hidalgo family also contribute from their funds to prevent any social or political controversy.
The relationship between the tourist group and the then Minister of Transport has been notably active since 2018. During that time, Globalia sought Ábalos’s assistance to access Terminal 4 of Barajas Airport rather than being limited to Terminal 2. This project was eventually postponed but remains a possibility for the future.
In 2019, the Government awarded Globalia the most sought-after lot in the Imserso tender, covering the islands and worth nearly €700 million, which it had previously lost in the earlier bidding.
Express rescue
Air Europa’s Rapid Bailout Sparks Controversy
In a notable case of expedited financial aid, Air Europa received a swift and substantial bailout within a month of the public fund’s approval. This was a marked contrast to the experience of other companies, which had to wait an average of one year, with some waiting even longer. On November 3, 2020, the Council of Ministers approved a significant rescue package for Air Europa, totaling €475 million. This was the first public aid granted, and it was the largest of its kind at the time. Additionally, €320 million was allocated for the rescue of the Globalia-Ávoris joint venture.
Sources familiar with the situation told Vozpópuli that while Air Europa met the necessary criteria for receiving aid, the swift approval and substantial amount have raised concerns of preferential treatment. They suggest that the airline’s strong connections with Moncloa (the Spanish executive) may have influenced the rapid and generous aid, which contrasted sharply with the slower and more limited support received by other companies.
The quick rescue of Air Europa also had implications for the planned sale of the airline to Iberia. The sale, which had been agreed upon in November 2019 for €1 billion, was scrutinized due to its perceived lack of feasibility in the context of the Covid-19 crisis. IAG CEO Luis Gallego expressed skepticism about the deal’s viability in July 2020.
The State Company for Industrial Holdings (SEPI) had budgeted €10 billion for a rescue fund for companies affected by the pandemic. However, only €3.256 billion of this amount has been allocated. The actual aid disbursed totals €2.706 billion, representing 27% of the total budget. Notably, companies connected to the Hidalgo family received a significant portion of this aid. Specifically, they were awarded €795 million from SEPI, accounting for 29.37% of the total. When including €140 million in ICO guarantees and other Covid-related aid, the total support received by these companies approaches €1.1 billion.
On March 16, 2021, the Council of Ministers approved a €320 million bailout for Globalia-Ávoris, a joint venture between the Hidalgo family’s firm and Barceló. This aid facilitated the merger of their travel agencies, including Halcón Viajes and Be The Travel Band, and was instrumental in managing over €200 million in debt. Subsequently, Ávoris was fully acquired by Barceló, which purchased the 49.5% stake held by Hidalgo for a nominal €1. Barceló assumed all associated debt, including that covered by the SEPI bailout.
From St. Petersburg to Wakalua
On January 22, 2019, Globalia and the UNWTO launched Wakalua, hailed as “the first innovation hub in tourism.” Wakalua was a major sponsor of the IE Africa Center, where Begoña Gómez was appointed as director on August 8, 2018.
From September 9 to 13, 2019, Begoña Gómez attended the 23rd UNWTO Assembly in St. Petersburg, where she met Javier Hidalgo and Víctor de Aldama. According to Leticia Lauffer, Gómez and Hidalgo crossed paths at this event.
On March 4, 2020, Wakalua, representing Globalia and the UNWTO, sponsored the African Solutions event in London, organized by the IE Africa Center. Gómez also attended this event.
Wakalua had committed to a sponsorship agreement with the IE Foundation worth €40,000 annually to support the IE Africa Center. However, Lauffer noted that the pandemic interrupted this commitment, resulting in only €1,700 being spent on plane tickets for the trip.
Just before and during the early days of the pandemic in March 2020, Víctor de Aldama and Javier Hidalgo met with Begoña Gómez to discuss the Telefarmacia App. This app, intended as a sort of “Glovo for drugs,” faced legal challenges due to restrictions imposed by the Law on Guarantees and Rational Use of Medicines and Health Products.
Begoña Gómez played an advisory role for this project and another initiative called Hola Pueblos, which aimed to transform depopulated municipalities in Spain into tourist destinations. Moncloa has acknowledged conversations between Gómez and Víctor de Aldama regarding the Telefarmacia App.
Aldama designed the rescue fund with Transport.
The SEPI Strategic Business Rescue Fund was crafted specifically for Air Europa by Víctor de Aldama in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport. This is detailed in the Tax Agency (AEAT) report within the Koldo plot summary, which reveals that De Aldama began negotiating Air Europa’s rescue with the Ministry of Transport at the onset of the pandemic.
The Treasury report highlights that De Aldama’s negotiations were influenced by his close connections with certain officials and the timing of the discussions in March 2020. This period coincided with Air Europa’s offer of masks, their transport, and pricing, which the Ministry subsequently accepted.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Economy was engaged in negotiations with the European Commission concerning the rescue fund. While it may seem surprising that Air Europa sought government support so early, it is essential to note that by April 2020, France and the Netherlands had already provided bailouts to Air France and KLM, respectively. The European Commission was in the process of establishing a framework for such aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the VIP meetings with Begoña Gómez about?
The VIP meetings involving Begoña Gómez, who is known for her influential role in various social and cultural initiatives, were designed to facilitate high-level discussions on social impact and collaborative opportunities. These gatherings aimed to bring together key stakeholders thought leaders and influencers to address significant issues and explore innovative solutions.
When did these meetings take place?
As reported by El Confidencial, the meetings with Begoña Gómez occurred between June 24 and September 23, 2020. Specific dates include June 24 and July 16, 2020.
What is the connection between Begoña Gómez and the tourism sector?
Begoña Gómez has been involved with the tourism sector through her role as director of the IE Africa Center, which received sponsorship from Globalia and the UNWTO. Her involvement also extended to events like the African Solutions event in London, which Wakalua sponsored.
What was the nature of the plumbing discussions with Ábalos?
The plumbing discussions with José Luis Ábalos, a former Spanish Minister of Transport, involved negotiations about the logistics and technical aspects of plumbing systems. These discussions were part of broader meetings addressing industry standards and challenges related to plumbing infrastructure.
How were the meetings with Begoña Gómez and the plumbing discussions related?
While the meetings with Begoña Gómez focused on social and cultural impact, and the plumbing discussions with Ábalos dealt with technical and industry-specific issues, both sets of meetings reflect high-level interactions involving key figures in their respective fields. They are part of a broader context of influential engagements and negotiations.
Why is there a focus on these meetings now?
The meetings have come under scrutiny due to their timing and the involvement of high-profile figures like Begoña Gómez and José Luis Ábalos. They are part of investigations or discussions about the interactions between business leaders and government officials during critical periods, such as the pandemic.
Were there any notable outcomes from these meetings?
The meetings with Begoña Gómez led to the promotion of initiatives related to the IE Africa Center and involvement in significant events. The plumbing discussions with Ábalos contributed to industry conversations and potential regulatory adjustments. However, specifics about outcomes and decisions may vary and are subject to ongoing reviews.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact these meetings?
The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the timing and context of the meetings. For instance, the discussions with Begoña Gómez and the tourism sector were closely linked to efforts to secure financial support and navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic. The plumbing discussions with Ábalos also occurred during a period of heightened focus on infrastructure and essential services.
Conclusion
The VIP meetings with Begoña Gómez and the discussions involving plumbing with José Luis Ábalos represent two distinct yet significant areas of high-level engagement within their respective domains. The meetings with Begoña Gómez were focused on fostering social and cultural initiatives, mainly through her role with the IE Africa Center and her involvement with Globalia and the UNWTO. These interactions, which included high-profile gatherings and sponsorship agreements, underscore the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing global and social projects.
Conversely, the discussions involving José Luis Ábalos revolved around technical and industry-specific issues, particularly related to plumbing systems and infrastructure. These meetings reflect ongoing efforts to address industry standards and regulatory challenges, highlighting the critical role of technical expertise in managing essential services.
