Trillo's Controversial Claims on the 2004 Madrid Attacks
In a recent presentation of his book 'Memorias de anteayer' at the Círculo Ecuestre in Barcelona, former Defense Minister Federico Trillo made shocking allegations regarding the perpetrators of the March 11, 2004, terrorist attacks in Madrid. He asserts that these attacks were carried out by commandos sent from Morocco, under the control and coordination of French intelligence services. This statement starkly contrasts with the narrative presented by the government of José María Aznar, which attributed the attacks to the Basque separatist group ETA. Trillo expressed his firm belief in his theory, stating, "I have the absolute conviction that they were the 'moritos' commandos, sent by Morocco, under the control and coordination of French intelligence services. That is my conclusion. I regret having to be so clear about it." He further noted that both the CIA and MI6 concur that there was a continental intelligence service behind these operatives.
Additionally, Trillo reflected on the mishandling of the crisis by his government, describing it as far worse than merely poor management. He criticized the Aznar administration for failing to convene a crisis cabinet, effectively excluding key figures such as Vice Presidents Rodrigo Rato and Javier Arenas, as well as Trillo himself, from the discussions that should have focused on analyzing the attacks' causes and consequences. He lamented, "José María locked himself in with spokesperson minister Eduardo Zaplana and Interior Minister Ángel Acebes, and he categorically refused to have either Rodrigo Rato, the Minister of Defense, or Vice President Javier Arenas present at those meetings."
Reflections on Political Leadership and Future Directions
Trillo also recounted discussions about leadership within the Popular Party following their electoral defeat in 2004. He shared how Manuel Fraga, the former president of Galicia, suggested replacing Mariano Rajoy as the PP candidate for the presidency after the party's loss. Trillo recalled how Rajoy, freshly defeated in his first elections, tasked him with persuading Fraga to step aside for reelection as president of the Galician Junta. However, Fraga was not amenable to this suggestion, insisting, "We do not have a candidate for the presidency of the government." Trillo attributed the electoral loss in March 2004 largely to the fallout from the 11M attacks, noting that Fraga suggested two potential successors to Rajoy: himself or Alberto Ruiz Gallardón.
In his commentary on the current political climate, Trillo expressed concerns that the present leadership does not measure up to that of former Socialist president Felipe González. He claimed, "Felipe never reached the level of immorality that Sánchez is achieving at this moment." Trillo called for action to remove what he described as a mafia-like government that threatens the very concept of Spain. He concluded by recalling the successful efforts to oust corruption associated with González, stating, "If we were capable of ridding ourselves of those corrupt practices despite González being the best Socialist leader we've had, we should be able to remove this tyrant as well."
As reported by libertaddigital.com.
