Pedro Sanchez is facing the most serious political crisis of his premiership since taking power in 2018.
A series of corruption scandals, judicial investigations and internal party tensions are increasingly threatening the stability of his government.
The image of a leader who built his political identity on promises of “ethical renewal” in the wake of scandals involving the conservative People’s Party now appears significantly damaged.
Recent developments, including police raids even at the headquarters of Sanchez’s Socialist Party in Madrid, have intensified perceptions of political instability.
Zapatero case at centre
At the centre of the crisis is the case involving former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, a key figure of Spain’s centre‑left and a close ally of Sanchez.
A judge is investigating allegations that Zapatero was involved in a network of influence that secured a €53 million state bailout for airline Plus Ultra in 2021 during the Covid‑19 pandemic.
Prosecutors are examining whether part of the funds may have been channelled through companies linked to close associates and relatives, while potential financial links to Venezuela and China are also under scrutiny.
Zapatero, who faces allegations including forming a criminal organisation, influence peddling and document falsification, has firmly denied any wrongdoing. However, the political fallout for Sanchez has already been significant, given the close relationship between the two men.
Sanchez has publicly backed his predecessor, stressing the need to respect the presumption of innocence, a position that has sparked criticism even within his own political camp.
Scandals within PSOE
The Zapatero case is not the only issue confronting the government. In recent months, two senior PSOE figures have come under investigation.
Former transport minister José Luis Ábalos and former party organisation secretary Santos Cerdán are accused of involvement in a network of kickbacks and irregular public contracts, particularly during the pandemic.
The case concerns allegedly inflated contracts for the supply of medical equipment, with authorities tracing financial flows and examining possible payments to political figures and intermediaries.
The political cost increased further after Sanchez had publicly defended Cerdán before the details of the investigation emerged.
At the same time, another case has triggered upheaval in Madrid after reports that a journalist was allegedly paid with party funds to organise a campaign to discredit cases involving the government and its allies.
Police raided PSOE headquarters, seizing documents and electronic files, while party federal director Ana María Fuentes is among those under investigation.
Family under scrutiny
The crisis has deepened due to legal cases involving members of Sanchez’s family.
His spouse, Begoña Gómez, is under investigation for alleged embezzlement, corruption, influence peddling and misuse of public resources.
The allegations relate to claims that influence linked to her position as the prime minister’s wife was used to secure professional and business advantages, including ties with Complutense University of Madrid.
Meanwhile, Sanchez’s brother, David Sanchez, is on trial in Badajoz over alleged influence peddling and misuse of office linked to his appointment to a cultural position in 2017.
Sanchez has rejected the accusations, describing them as politically motivated attacks and a smear campaign by far‑right groups and hostile media outlets.
Opposition calls for elections
The conservative opposition argues that the government is nearing its end. People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has called for Sanchez to resign and for early elections to be held.
“How many more investigations? How many more scandals?” he said, describing the government as “politically finished”.
Similar pressure has come from the far‑right Vox party, which has accused the government of operating a “mafia‑style network of power”.
Concerns are also being voiced within the PSOE itself, with former prime minister Felipe González and Castilla‑La Mancha regional leader Emiliano García‑Page suggesting that early elections may be necessary.
Government future uncertain
Despite the pressure, the governing coalition has not yet collapsed. However, Sanchez’s partners have warned that any proof of illegal party financing would be a red line.
Catalan and Basque allies are watching developments with increasing caution, while polls suggest that if elections were held now, the People’s Party would likely win and could form a coalition government with Vox.
Sanchez insists he will serve his term until 2027, arguing that Spain needs stability. However, as investigations deepen and revelations continue, his political future appears increasingly uncertain.
Source: iefimerida.gr
