Spain's Health Minister resigns amid financial scandalNovember 27, 2014 - 15:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Spain's Health Minister Ana Mato has resigned after a judge accused her of benefiting from illegal payments. Her ex-husband, Jesus Sepulveda, was found to be linked to a huge corruption case involving the ruling People's Party, BBC News reports. A court issued a formal ruling which signaled that Mato had no knowledge of any possible crime. The scheme caused a scandal for PM Mariano Rajoy, who apologized after party members were arrested by police. Mato has not been named as an official suspect in the case, but will have to sit in during court hearings, judicial sources have told Spanish press. In a statement, Mato said she had not herself been linked with any crime but that she was standing down for the good of the government. Judges have been investigating the so-called Gurtel network, a huge scheme involving illegal party donations or kickbacks from businesses seeking contracts. It is the largest pre-trial investigation in the history of Spain's criminal court, and involves many Popular Party officials and public figures. Photo: AFP Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |