PSOE Leader Juan Lobato Faces Internal Pressure Amid Controversy
Juan Lobato's refusal to resign after revelations from ABC about a recorded conversation with Pilar Sánchez Acera, Chief of Staff to Minister Óscar López, has intensified internal scrutiny on the PSOE leader in Madrid. The conversation hinted that Moncloa may have leaked an email from the lawyer of Ayuso's partner, acknowledging two crimes related to tax fraud. In light of these developments, Reyes Maroto, the PSOE spokesperson in the Madrid City Council, has called for an extraordinary meeting of the party's regional executive. She insists that Lobato must explain the situation and undergo a vote of confidence to assess whether he retains the party's support. "Trust must be regained. He must develop a motion of confidence in a regional executive committee that is convened as soon as possible," Maroto stated during a media briefing at the Madrid City Council plenary session.
Despite the turmoil, comments from PSOE officials have been largely reserved, with the only open dissent coming from the government delegate in Madrid, Fran Aguirre. Maroto's remarks gain significance following Lobato's earlier call for an institutional statement, which suggested he would resign; instead, he has chosen to fight back, asserting he is the target of a "lynching" from certain PSOE leaders.
"If what I was told that morning about the origin of the leakage was true, I do not see what the problem is in proving the lawful origin of that documentation as it was communicated to me," he stated during a brief press appearance, emphasizing his confusion over the reaction from some within his party.
Lobato’s defense highlights his belief that he has acted lawfully, and he expressed concerns about being misled by his colleagues. "I certainly do not understand it; I do not contemplate that I was lied to. If that were the case, it would seem quite serious to me," he added, suggesting that such deception would have legal and political repercussions.
He also hinted at a narrative being spun around his actions: "Some within the party try to make the bad guy the one who chooses not to do things wrong," Lobato remarked, defending the PSOE against long-standing attacks from the Popular Party (PP).
The ongoing controversy sees his political cohort, Fran Martín Aguirre, calling for greater clarity on Lobato's recent actions, particularly regarding his decision to consult with a notary. Aguirre stated, "Trust is a very valuable but also fragile asset," indicating the precarious position the PSOE finds itself in as it navigates this scandal.
As the internal strife continues, Lobato, accompanied only by his aide Mar Espinar, faces mounting challenges to reaffirm his leadership and stabilize the party’s standing in Madrid.
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