Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has apologized to the Spanish people after a senior colleague in his Socialist party, Santos Cerdán, resigned amidst allegations of corruption. Cerdán is accused of improperly awarding public contracts in exchange for kickbacks, with estimates suggesting the payments were worth €620,000 (£530,000). Sánchez, who has led Spain since 2018, expressed regret for trusting Cerdán and pledged to restructure the leadership of his party.
The allegations against Cerdán involve collusion with former party officials, including former transport minister José Luis Ábalos and minister’s ex-adviser Koldo García. Both Ábalos and García have been called to testify, with Ábalos denying any wrongdoing. The police report is based on recordings made by García over a four-year period, which allegedly implicate Cerdán and García in discussing substantial payments.
Sánchez addressed the nation, stating, “There is no such thing as zero corruption, but there must be zero tolerance when it takes place.” He acknowledged his faults and asked the Spanish people for forgiveness, while also accusing the conservatives of conducting a smear campaign. “We shouldn’t have trusted him,” Sánchez said, referring to Cerdán’s alleged actions. He emphasized that his government would continue its “political project” and insisted that no new elections would take place until 2027.
However, the opposition conservative leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo demanded Sánchez’s resignation, stating, “Survival is no longer an option.” Feijóo accused the government of corruption, saying, “Corruption is already the hallmark of this government and it must end.” The opposition has been buoyed by a recent rally in Madrid that attracted tens of thousands of supporters, calling for Sánchez to step down under the slogan “mafia or democracy”.
Sánchez’s future as prime minister remains uncertain, with potential pressure from within his coalition. Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz from the left-wing coalition partner Sumar has also called for explanations. Sánchez has faced repeated political crises, including a threat to stand down in April 2024 when a court opened preliminary proceedings against his wife over allegations surrounding her business dealings.