Delcy Rodríguez demands retraction from Aldama over PDVSA envelope

Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodríguez has initiated legal proceedings in Spain against businessman Víctor de Aldama, demanding he retract his claims that she gave him an envelope from state oil company PDVSA allegedly linked to irregular financing of Spain's Socialist Party (PSOE). The conciliation hearing (acto de conciliación) is set for July 16, 2026 in Madrid. If Aldama refuses to retract, Rodríguez will pursue a criminal complaint for injuria Source: El Mundo, Infobae.

The allegations

Aldama, convicted in the 'Caso Koldo', stated in TV interviews on February 4–5, 2026, and earlier in court that Rodríguez handed him an envelope containing a PDVSA oil quota intended to finance the PSOE and the Socialist International Source: ABC, La Vanguardia. He formally delivered the envelope to Judge Ismael Moreno in March 2026, who is investigating cash payments within the PSOE Source: El Confidencial. The Guardia Civil's UCO had previously identified a brown envelope addressed to Rodríguez from former PDVSA president Manuel Quevedo, with a reception stamp dated February 4, 2020—coinciding with Rodríguez's controversial visit to Madrid Source: Euronews, El Nacional.

Legal strategy and reactions

Rodríguez is represented by the firm ILOCAD, led by former judge Baltasar Garzón. In the conciliation request, her lawyers argue that Aldama's statements are "false and not adjusted to reality" and that the accusation harms her reputation Source: El Diario Libre, El Español. Aldama's camp reportedly views the legal move as "reckless" and an attempt to discourage his continued cooperation with the judiciary Source: Euronews. The case unfolds amid separate legal actions against Aldama, including a demand from Spanish Minister Félix Bolaños for alleged slander Source: La Vanguardia. The outcome of the conciliation will determine whether Rodríguez files a full criminal complaint.