Political Tensions Rise Amid 47th Anniversary of Spanish Constitution: Prime Minister Defends PSOE's Actions

The recent celebration marking the 47th anniversary of the Spanish Constitution has transformed the corridors of Congress into a political battleground. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez took center stage, addressing the ongoing challenges related to the harassment allegations against Francisco Salazar, a member of the PSOE. He acknowledged mistakes made during the crisis while emphasizing the party's commitment to addressing the issue through its independent antiharassment protocol. "Allow me to assert that the PSOE has implemented an antiharassment protocol that operates independently," Sánchez stated. He highlighted the establishment of the committee in May and the party's actions in July when allegations first surfaced, asserting that the body is led by individuals of recognized prestige and operates without interference from the party. Sánchez admitted to learning about the case's status through media outlets, specifically elDiarioes, and expressed regret over the lack of timely communication with the complainants. "I take that mistake personally," he said, emphasizing the need to enhance the resources allocated to the committee to prevent future delays. He reinforced the party’s commitment to feminist principles, firmly asserting that, "The PSOE is a feminist party. I will not accept lessons from parties that do not do even 10 percent of what we do." Responding to critiques from rival political parties, Sánchez reiterated his stance against any attempts to undermine the actions taken by the PSOE. He stated, "We have acted without connivance and decisively," denying any personal connections to Salazar and rejecting comparisons to past incidents involving José Luis Ábalos. He underscored the party's principled approach to complaints, asserting that there would be no tolerance for defamation or blackmail. As discussions continued, Sánchez noted the complainants have the agency to decide whether to advance their case to the Prosecutor's Office, promising support if they choose to do so. He called for patience regarding his government's stability amid its challenges with the post-convergent bloc, Junts. "There are no contacts with Junts," he stated, advocating for the government’s legislative objectives including the normalization of the political landscape resulting from 2017. Meanwhile, the first vice president and Minister of Finance María Jesús Montero also weighed in on the Salazar case, revealing her personal relationship with the complainant, whom she described as frightened and in need of security. "I completely believe her," Montero asserted, expressing her disappointment with the internal management of the situation and calling it "very poorly managed." She emphasized that procedures need to be expedited, reiterating that the internal protocol should conclude before any decision to involve the Prosecutor's Office is made. Montero defended her stance against the rumor that the party attempted to protect Salazar, stating, "To say that I protect him is nonsense." This internal discord highlights the friction within the PSOE, as they navigate a complex political landscape. On the right side of the political spectrum, leaders Juan Manuel Moreno and Isabel Díaz Ayuso of the PP echoed the need for strategic restraint in the face of Vox demands during discussions surrounding upcoming elections in Extremadura. They cautioned against capitulating to all of Vox's requests, firmly stating, "Under no circumstances should we remove Guardiola because Vox requests it." As political tensions simmer, the coming weeks may reveal further developments in both parties and the implications for Spain's governance. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2