Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez Announces He Will Remains in Office Despite Graft Probe into Wife

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Monday that he will continue in office "even with more strength after days of reflection following a court opening preliminary proceedings against his wife, Begoña Gómez, on corruption allegations. Sánchez had previously shocked the country by taking five days off to think about his future, saying the move was too personal an attack on his family and he needed time to decide on his priorities.

The legal complaint against Gómez was filed by a far-right legal platform known as "Clean Hands," but Spanish prosecutors say it should be thrown out. Sánchez blamed the investigation on online news sites politically aligned with the opposition, calling the allegations "spurious" and part of a "campaign of harassment" against him and his wife by right-wing media.

Thousands of Sánchez's supporters held rallies in Madrid over the weekend, urging him to stay on as prime minister. The Socialist Party's leadership has also expressed vocal support for Sánchez. However, the opposition parties, including the conservative People's Party (PP) and far-right Vox, have intensified their attacks on the prime minister, accusing him of "cynical manoeuvring," "self-obsession," and bringing "decadence" to the country.

Why this matters: The corruption allegations against Sánchez's wife and his response have sparked intense debate in Spain about the legitimacy of the investigation and the prime minister's motivations. The outcome could have significant implications for Spain's political landscape and the upcoming elections.

Sánchez, who has been Spain's prime minister since 2018 and leads a fragile leftist coalition government, is known for his political resilience and survival skills. He has persevered through various challenges to remain in power, including a 2016 attempt to oust him from his party's leadership. International left-wing leaders have expressed support for Sánchez during this latest crisis.

In his announcement to continue as prime minister, Sánchez stated, "I will continue leading the government with even more strength. We will defend against the mudslinging." He called for a collective reflection and the cleaning up of what he described as toxic practices in public life, urging Spanish society to become an example and inspiration for the world.

The Madrid prosecuting authority is appealing the city court's decision to look into the private complaint against Gómez over alleged influence peddling and business corruption. Sánchez's supporters say the baseless attacks are poisoning Spanish politics and this should serve as a wake-up call to react against them. The prime minister's decision to remain in office could impact key legislative plans and upcoming elections in Catalonia and the European Parliament.

Key Takeaways

• Spanish PM Sánchez to stay in office despite wife's corruption probe
• Sánchez blames "spurious" allegations on right-wing media campaign
• Thousands rally in Madrid to urge Sánchez to remain as PM
• Outcome could impact Spain's politics and upcoming elections
• Sánchez known for political resilience, vows to defend against "mudslinging"