The ruling party of Pedro Sánchez faces a series of corruption scandals, with investigations targeting political figures and their family members. Spanish police are conducting a search at the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) in Madrid following a court order “to gather information regarding an illegal financing mechanism,” according to El País and other Spanish media outlets.
According to El Confidencial, the investigations relate to suspected illegal schemes within the public organization responsible for state participation in strategic companies (SEPI), a case involving former PSOE official Leire Díez, who is being investigated for influence peddling, bribery and obstruction of justice.
Search at Sánchez party offices: Where the focus lies
A police spokesperson confirmed that officers entered the Socialist Party’s central offices but provided no additional information as the investigations are confidential.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s party faces multiple corruption scandals with investigations targeting political figures and their family members.
The atmosphere has become even more tense in recent days with charges filed, for the first time in Spanish politics, against former Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero, a historic PSOE figure, for influence peddling in another case.
The Spanish government, which participated in the bailout of Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas airline, the focus of influence peddling allegations, denies acting improperly, while the former prime minister (2004-2011) declares his innocence.
“Zero tolerance towards any kind of improper or illegal attitude or behavior,” Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo stated today before lawmakers, calling for respect for the presumption of innocence.
Earlier, the leader of the largest opposition party, the conservative People’s Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, denounced the “anguish and shamelessness” of the ruling PSOE and demanded early elections. Something that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez continues to refuse.
