Police officers raided and searched the Madrid HQ of Spain’s ruling Spanish Socialist Workers' Party on Wednesday as part of a corruption probe
The raid unfolded while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was at the Vatican meeting with Pope Leo XIV. Speaking afterward, Sanchez rejected calls for an early election and said he planned to remain in office through the end of his term. His government has been dealing with a growing number of legal investigations tied to figures connected to the Socialist Party.
Investigators say the case centers on allegations that Socialist operative Leire Diez participated in a disinformation effort intended to obstruct legal proceedings involving party members. Diez has denied any wrongdoing. Authorities also carried out searches at the residences of senior political figures and a businessman linked to the investigation.
Following news of the operation, Alberto Nuñez Feijóo, leader of the conservative People's Party, again called for snap elections. "How many more raids, how many more commissions, how many more bribes, how much more money in bags?" he said, adding that the government "stinks" of corruption.
One of the central figures in the ongoing investigations is former Socialist Party secretary Santos Cerdán, once considered a close Sánchez ally. Cerdán has denied accusations that he helped arrange public contracts in exchange for bribes alongside other former party officials. He stepped down from his party role last year but continues to deny any wrongdoing.
The developments come just days after former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was placed under investigation over allegations tied to influence-peddling involving a 2021 bailout for Plus Ultra airline. Zapatero has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
Other legal cases have also touched people close to Sánchez, including investigations involving his wife and brother, both of whom deny allegations against them.
Former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos is also awaiting a verdict following a four-week trial over accusations involving illegal commissions tied to mask contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sánchez, whose coalition government has remained fragile since the 2023 election, previously said he considered resigning last year but later concluded that “throwing in the towel is not an option.”
This is a breaking news story.
The raid unfolded while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was at the Vatican meeting with Pope Leo XIV. Speaking afterward, Sanchez rejected calls for an early election and said he planned to remain in office through the end of his term. His government has been dealing with a growing number of legal investigations tied to figures connected to the Socialist Party.
Investigators say the case centers on allegations that Socialist operative Leire Diez participated in a disinformation effort intended to obstruct legal proceedings involving party members. Diez has denied any wrongdoing. Authorities also carried out searches at the residences of senior political figures and a businessman linked to the investigation.
Following news of the operation, Alberto Nuñez Feijóo, leader of the conservative People's Party, again called for snap elections. "How many more raids, how many more commissions, how many more bribes, how much more money in bags?" he said, adding that the government "stinks" of corruption.
One of the central figures in the ongoing investigations is former Socialist Party secretary Santos Cerdán, once considered a close Sánchez ally. Cerdán has denied accusations that he helped arrange public contracts in exchange for bribes alongside other former party officials. He stepped down from his party role last year but continues to deny any wrongdoing.
The developments come just days after former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was placed under investigation over allegations tied to influence-peddling involving a 2021 bailout for Plus Ultra airline. Zapatero has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
Other legal cases have also touched people close to Sánchez, including investigations involving his wife and brother, both of whom deny allegations against them.
Former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos is also awaiting a verdict following a four-week trial over accusations involving illegal commissions tied to mask contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sánchez, whose coalition government has remained fragile since the 2023 election, previously said he considered resigning last year but later concluded that “throwing in the towel is not an option.”
This is a breaking news story.
