Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will continue to hold the position of head of government. At the end of a five-day reflection period, the socialist prime minister announced his decision in a press conference at the Moncloa Palace, in Madrid. On April 24, Sánchez took everyone by surprise when he announced that he was considering resigning. The political earthquake was triggered by the Madrid court’s decision to open a preliminary investigation into Begona Gomez, the prime minister’s wife, for alleged corruption. The investigation – for which the Prosecutor’s Office requested that it be closed – was triggered by a complaint from Mano Limpias, a self-proclaimed trade union with right-wing sympathies. It’s about, he writes El Paisof an organization that in the past has presented several complaints that have “led to nothing” against left-wing representatives, and which has itself been investigated for false accusations.
Sánchez’s announcement
“I take the decision to continue, if possible with more force,” Sánchez said today, dispelling reservations about his future. «This is not about the fate of a particular leader. It’s about deciding what kind of society we want to be. Our country needs this reflection. We have let mud contaminate our public life for too long,” insisted the Spanish prime minister. And then again: «I ask Spanish society to set an example once again. The evils that afflict us are part of a global movement. Let’s show the world how democracy is defended.” Finally, thanks to those who asked him to continue: «We want to thank you for the demonstrations of solidarity received from all sectors. Thanks to the social mobilization, which had an influence.”
The letter to the citizens
In last week’s letter, Sánchez denounced the existence of a continuous “demolition operation” against him and his wife, with “attacks orchestrated by the right and the far right” and the complicity “of media and judicial sectors” ultra-conservatives, who have never recognized his government’s progressive coalition as legitimate. Over the weekend, thousands of citizens took to the streets in front of the headquarters of the Spanish Socialist Party and in front of the Congress of Deputies to ask him to “resist” and not give up his position as head of government.
The “total uncertainty”
Until this morning’s announcement, no one in Spain had any idea what Sánchez would do. El País, the most read newspaper in the country, spoke of “total uncertainty”. Since last Wednesday, the prime minister has remained locked up in Moncloa in the strictest secrecy, surrounded by his family. Sánchez only responded to solidarity calls from other international leaders and consultations with ministers.
On the cover: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the European Council on 18 April 2024 in Brussels (EPA/Olivier Hoslet)
