Former public works minister testifies in corruption probe
Blanco accused of getting 290,000 euros in payoffs
Former Socialist Public Works Minister José Blanco appeared Thursday at the Supreme Court to testify about allegations that a pharmaceutical businessman paid him so he could help him obtain permits for his companies.
"Today, for the first time I know what they are accusing me of, and I have been able to say what I think about these false accusations," Blanco said, adding that he couldn't say much about the case because it is still under court investigation.
Indicted Galician businessman Jorge Dorribo told prosecutors that he gave at least 290,000 euros to Blanco to help speed up his permits.
Blanco, the former Socialist Party deputy secretary general, has not been charged in the so-called Champion Operation.
