Pedro Sánchez Stresses PSOE's Integrity Amid Corruption Allegations Against PP and Vox
Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Government and Secretary General of the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), reaffirmed on Monday that his party remains committed to transparency and integrity, in stark contrast to the practices associated with rival parties such as the People's Party (PP) and Vox. Addressing recent corruption allegations, he stated, "We will not persecute whistleblowers, create patriotic police, threaten journalists, destroy evidence, or have party headquarters funded through questionable means. The PSOE is a clean organization."
In a press appearance at the party headquarters in Ferraz after a meeting of the Federal Executive Committee, Sánchez called for the dismissal of regional leaders from the PP and Vox implicated in corruption scandals or mismanagement of natural disasters. He emphasized that his government will not bow to pressure for snap elections, insisting that Spain deserves stability and progress rather than a return to a reactionary agenda that would adversely affect millions.
Sánchez challenged leaders Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the PP and Santiago Abascal of Vox to present a motion of censure if they seek to assume the government, arguing that turning over the reins to a party burdened by 30 open corruption cases would be a severe act of irresponsibility. He noted, "I will not deny reality as others do, despite their names being associated with financial scandals and shady dealings."
In defense of his administration's record, Sánchez pointed out that the PSOE has only faced one significant corruption case, known as the Koldo case, since he took office in 2018. He expressed confidence in the Justice system and the party's commitment to accountability, stating, "We will do everything in our power to ensure that those who have committed corruption pay for it."
Reflecting on the progress made against systemic corruption during his tenure, he acknowledged that while mistakes have been made, significant strides have been taken in tightening laws, enhancing transparency, and improving Spain's standing in the fight against corruption. "What was once obstructed is now pursued and punished," he asserted.
Sánchez also responded to an UCO report implicating Santos Cerdán, noting his disgust at the content, which he described as a display of a lack of exemplarity and incompatible with the party’s principles. He expressed no fear regarding new revelations that could compromise him, saying he too faces unfounded legal attacks from far-right groups.
In a proactive approach to transparency, Sánchez announced his intention to appear before the Congress of Deputies to promote an investigative commission focused on the Koldo case. He is also set to engage with various parliamentary groups to entertain their proposals on the matter.
Furthering his commitment to party integrity, Sánchez disclosed the expulsion of José Luis Ábalos from the PSOE, the voluntary resignation of Santos Cerdán, and the formation of a new leadership team to guide the organization until the upcoming Federal Committee meeting scheduled for July 5 in Madrid, rather than Seville as initially planned.
Related Sources: