Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez refuses resignation amid wife’s allegations

• Sánchez canceled official engagements after a court initiated an inquiry into his wife over corruption allegations.
• He characterized the allegations as a harassment campaign by right-wing media.
• Sánchez emphasized the importance of self-reflection and deciding what kind of society the country wants to be.

Pedro Sánchez has announced his decision to remain as Spain’s prime minister, ending five days of speculation about his future. Last week, Mr. Sánchez canceled official engagements after a court initiated an initial inquiry into his wife over corruption allegations. Consequently, the situation prompted speculation about his future in office.

He characterized the allegations as a harassment campaign by right-wing media.

“Expressions of solidarity from all sections of society” meant he decided to remain in office, he added.

Over the weekend, demonstrators held a series of protests across Spain, urging the prime minister to remain in his post. More than 10,000 people gathered in front of the Socialist Party (PSOE) headquarters in Madrid to express their support for the prime minister.

“Thanks to this mobilization, I have decided to continue leading the presidency,” Mr. Sánchez said, vowing to carry on “with more strength if possible”.

“This isn’t about the destiny of one leader – it’s about deciding what kind of society we want to be. Our country needs this self-reflection. We have let the mud soil our public life for too long,” he said.

The organization Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), led by a man linked to the far-right named Miguel Bernad, brought accusations against Mr. Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez.

On Thursday, Madrid’s public prosecutor recommended shelving the probe due to lack of evidence. Additionally, Manos Limpias acknowledged that the allegations might be incorrect because they were based on online newspaper stories – one of which has already been proven false.

In his speech, Mr. Sánchez also recognized that his statement announcing his decision to take time off to reflect may have been “disconcerting” but asserted that “there are times when the only way to move forward is to stop, reflect, and decide what way we want to go.”

Many had anticipated that Mr. Sánchez would either resign or initiate a confidence motion. However, his decision to remain in office defied expectations and fueled further speculation about the political landscape in Spain.

The leader’s allies greeted Monday’s announcement with jubilation.

“Thank you for defending democracy, for championing decency, and for fighting for a supportive and courageous Spain,” PSOE spokesperson Esther Peña Camarero said on X.

But members of the opposition showed less support.

Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the leader of the Madrid region’s opposition Popular Party (PP), accused him of being “shameless”.

She said the prime minister had taken five days to decide “how to attack judges, political rivals and the free press” and added: “He should give fewer speeches without journalists and more press conferences where he can be asked questions.”

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