Spanish PM called to testify in graft trial

One of Spain’s top criminal courts yesterday summoned Mariano Rajoy to testify as a witness in a major corruption trial, a first for the conservative prime minister.

“They have called him as witness,” a spokesman for the National Court that deals with major corruption cases told AFP.

The so-called Gurtel trial centres on a vast bribery network allegedly involving former members of Rajoy’s Popular Party (PP).

While Spain’s 62-yearold leader is not accused of anything, his post as party chief since 2004 means he could provide valuable testimony.

The network allegedly saw companies shower former PP lawmakers and civil servants with bribes in exchange for contracts.

Altogether, 37 defendants face justice including two former party treasurers and businessman Francisco Correa, the alleged head of the network.

According to a confession published by Correa in online daily eldiario.es, companies would give him a commission of two to three percent on the value of public contracts. After taking his share, he would allegedly give politicians involved in awarding contracts some of the money too.