Abused Power for Plot Advancement
Mossos Uncover Widespread Lobbying Scheme Benefiting Multiple Sectors
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catalan police have identified a sophisticated lobbying operation where various economic sectors allegedly hired an “economic team” to influence regulatory changes, ultimately boosting their financial results.
“Plurality of sectors” exploited Legislative Process
A report by the Mossos d’Esquadra reveals that a wide array of economic and business activities engaged the services of a specialized “economic team.” This team is accused of going beyond mere representation of interest groups, allegedly leveraging “close collaboration” with government members involved in the Council of Ministers and legislative processes. Their objective, according to the investigation, was to secure regulatory changes that would directly benefit their balance sheets.
The Mossos’ findings suggest that this “economic team” actively participated in the legislative initiative and approval of laws. Even when legislative obligation lay with other ministerial departments, the Ministry of Finance allegedly became involved if state income or expenses were impacted.This intricate legislative maneuvering, the police claim, was exploited by the economic team for the financial gain of its associates.
Millions Paid to “Economic Team” by Major Corporations
The investigation has uncovered substantial payments made to the “economic team” by prominent companies. between 2010 and 2015, Spanish Electric Electricity reportedly paid €1.3 million. Ferrovial made payments totaling €293,424 between 2012 and 2014. Abengoa paid €3.9 million between 2009 and 2015, while Madrid Network paid €1.8 million between 2008 and 2011.
political Divisions and Regulatory Shifts
The Mossos’ report also sheds light on the political landscape during the Mariano Rajoy administration, highlighting a divergence of opinions within the government regarding energy policy. Specifically, the report notes the contrasting stances of then-Minister of Finance, Cristóbal Montoro, and the Minister of Industry and energy, José Manuel Soria.
montoro reportedly favored limiting the elimination of premiums for renewable energy sources and shifting the tax burden onto traditional electricity providers.In contrast,Soria advocated for the complete removal of renewable premiums and the implementation of a “progressive” tax on the electricity sector.
Renewables and Traditional Electricity Sectors Under Scrutiny
In this context of political debate and policy shifts, the Mossos identified a pattern of “numerous and large payments” from major renewable energy companies to the “economic team.” Thes payments coincided with significant legislative modifications affecting the sector in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Similar payments were also detected from key traditional electricity companies and those involved in electricity distribution. This temporal correlation suggests a direct link between lobbying efforts and favorable regulatory outcomes for these industries.