SPAIN’S Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has ruled out early elections and reiterated his support for former premier Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero despite an ongoing corruption investigation.
Speaking in Rome on 27 May, during his first trip to visit the Pope, Sanchez expressed, “Full respect for Mr. Zapatero’s presumption of innocence and my full support for President Zapatero.”
Sanchez continued: “After what I have read, and what I have discussed with people who know much more about the law than I do, there is no reason to change that position.”
The statement comes as former PM Zapatero, a fellow Socialist PSOE leader and close ally of Sanchez, has been placed under criminal investigation over alleged corruption and influence-peddling offences.
Madrid’s National Court is examining Zapatero’s alleged role in the €53 million state bailout of Spanish airline Plus Ultra in March 2021, amid accusations the carrier diverted public funds through an international money-laundering network with links to Venezuela.
Zapatero, who led Spain between 2004 and 2001, however, unequivocally denies the claims stating: “I want to reaffirm that all my public and private activity has always been conducted with absolute respect for the law.”
Although Zapatero was not initially among Sanchez’s closest allies, he has emerged as one of his most prominent supporters in recent years.
During Spain’s 2023 general election campaign, Zapatero actively and enthusiastically campaigned on Sanchez’s behalf.
The Zapatero case has created another major headache for Sanchez’s premiership, which has been repeatedly overshadowed by corruption allegations.
Sanchez’s brother, David, is scheduled to stand trial from 28 May to 4 June in Badajoz for influence peddling.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s wife, Begoña Gómez, has been charged with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds, with the courts now deciding whether she will stand trial.
READ MORE: Spain’s former prime minister Zapatero denies corruption charges in €53m airline bailout
Sanchez has dismissed the charges against his family as part of a politically motivated ‘smear campaign.’
Sanchez’s former close ally and ex-transport minister, Jose Luis Abalos, is also awaiting judgment in a separate corruption trial that wrapped up earlier this month.
In addition, on 27 May, Guardia Civil officers raided the headquarters of Spain’s ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) in Madrid on Wednesday morning, searching for evidence in connection with an alleged illegal payments scheme.
The Zapatero case adds to a slew of corruption probes directed at Sanchez’s allies and relatives, provoking outrage throughout the country.
People’s Party (PP) leader Alberto Nuñez Feijoo has called for immediate general elections, describing the current political situation in Spain as ‘agonising’ and ‘unbearable’.
He also urged PSOE’s coalition partners to reconsider their support for what he said was a government that ‘stinks’ of corruption.
On Saturday 23 April, thousands of protestors took to the streets of Madrid demanding Sanchez’s resignation.
Despite mounting pressure and corruption scandals, Sanchez has ruled out calling a snap election.
“I cannot call elections for partisan interests; I must call elections for the general interest of the citizens. The general interest today, with wars around the world and crises that require effective responses from the central government, is the stability and consolidation of policies that are allowing us to avoid the social and economic consequences of these crises.”
He also reiterated that his party will fully cooperate with the justice system adding, “We are a party that has nothing to hide, and when we have to act, we act, and of course, we do not tolerate corrupt behaviour.”
Amid a series of corruption scandals and growing political pressure, Sanchez has defended his administration and reaffirmed his commitment to serve out his full term.
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