Spain’s ruling Socialists were facing mounting pressure on Friday over claims of sexual harassment and corruption, prompting calls for a major government shake-up.
Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz, who leads junior coalition partner Sumar, warned that “things cannot go on like this” and said Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez must “radically reshape” his government.
The controversy intensified after allegations emerged that Sánchez’s Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) failed to adequately address internal reports of sexual harassment of female staff by senior party officials.
Rebeca Torró, who serves as PSOE’s organizational secretary, apologized to the women affected, acknowledging communication failures and pledging that the party would fight sexism “relentlessly.”
In recent months, three senior PSOE figures — including close Sánchez ally Francisco Salazar — have stepped down from their posts after women accused them of inappropriate comments, advances or obscene messages. None of the politicians has been convicted.
Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo said Sánchez must answer in parliament for what he described as “systemic corruption within the government.” Feijóo has long called for the government’s resignation and an early election.
However, according to a recent poll by Spain’s state-run Centre for Sociological Research (CIS), the PSOE currently leads Feijóo’s conservative Popular Party (PP) by around 9 percentage points.
Socialists embroiled in numerous scandals
Former transport minister José Luis Ábalos was chargsed and is currently in pre-trial detention, as is his former adviser Koldo García. Prosecutors accuse both men of corruption linked to the procurement of protective face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Santos Cerdán, the PSOE’s former executive secretary, was recently given a provisional release after spending five months in pre-trial detention. He is facing charges over allegations that construction contracts were awarded in exchange for secret payments to selected companies.
On Wednesday, former PSOE politician Leire Díez was arrested as part of an investigation into irregularities in the awarding of public contracts.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during a press conference with President of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas after their meeting at La Moncloa Palace. Jesús Hellín/EUROPA PRESS/dpa